ISLAMABAD: The debate on the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment is ongoing in the Upper House of Parliament as Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar presented the bill in the Senate. In contrast, Senator Farooq H. Naik presented the report of the Standing Committee in the House.
According to sources, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Law and Justice approved the basic draft of the amendment yesterday. The bill includes important amendments related to the transfer of judges and judicial reforms. When journalists asked Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, “Are the numbers in the Senate complete?” he replied with a smile, “Yes, God willing.” The journalists further asked, “Has Senator John Buledi agreed?” To which Ishaq Dar said, “We will know when the vote is taken.”
The opposition parties have opposed the amendment bill, arguing that it may affect the constitutional structure and the independence of the judiciary. On the other hand, the government argues that the proposed amendment is necessary for transparency in the judicial system and to strike a balance between provincial and federal powers.
Parliamentary sources say that the amendment bill has been referred to a joint committee for further consideration, after which it will be re-presented to the Senate and the National Assembly for approval. The final approval of the bill will require a two-thirds majority in both houses.
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