ISLAMABAD: The bill for the 27th Constitutional Amendment was presented in the Senate on Monday for voting by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, with members of the opposition chanting slogans against the government and staging a walkout.
During this motion, members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protested loudly in front of the Senate Chairman’s desk, tearing up copies of the agenda. However, PTI Senator Saifullah Abro remained seated and did not join the protest.
When the House voted on the motion to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment, Saifullah Abro voted in favour of it. Similarly, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) Senator Ahmed Khan also voted in support of the amendment.
In total, 64 members of the Senate voted in favour of Clause 2 of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, with both Saifullah Abro and Ahmed Khan among those supporting the motion.
Read also: Senate continues debate on 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
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.
