Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif signs the advice for the assent of 26th Amendment, to be sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for final approval. — PM Office
Prime Minister ICJ Shehbaz Sharif Clears Copy of 26th Constitutional Amendment for President Asif Ali Zardari's Signoff Now Awaits.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif cleared a copy of the 26th Constitutional Amendment to be given to President Asif Ali Zardari who is now expected to give it his final signoff.
This is a critical development in Pakistan's political history, as the amendment passed by both Senate and National Assembly carries a two-thirds majority vote with a focus mostly on judicial reforms.
A number of significant changes have been brought forth by the 26th Amendment to the Constitution. The most important effects of this amendment are seen in the suo motu powers conferred on the Supreme Court, the reduction of the Chief Justice of Pakistan's (CJP) three years term, and bestowing upon the prime minister the power to appoint the next CJP from three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
Editorial: 26th Amendment could trigger a new stand-off between legal fraternity and govt
The amendment was first ratified by the Senate on Sunday following a marathon session interspersed with series of late night discussions. Passed with a two-thirds majority, the National Assembly also ratified it after incorporating suggestions that were added from the Senate, which had increased the final version to 27 clauses from its original 22.
A Shift in Judicial Appointments.
The procedure was finally approved by the parliament. As per a notification issued by the National Assembly secretariat and published in the Gazette, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially sent his recommendation to President Zardari for assent to the 'Constitution (26th Amendment) Act, 2024.'.
This new law changes the process of selecting Pakistan's Chief Justice. From now onward, the highest judicial slot will be awarded based on the recommendation of a Special Parliamentary Committee that would choose from amongst the three seniormost judges of the Supreme Court.
Government Celebrates 'Parliamentary Sovereignty'
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif complimented Parliament for having achieved, in his words, what he called a historic legislative milestone after the passage of the bill. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also appreciated Maulana Fazlur Rehman for the critical role he played in ensuring that the bill was passed. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar welcomed the reinforcement of parliamentary sovereignty.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said the change represents the will of the people and will bring about more progressive justice reforms. MNA Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari welcomed brother, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, who led the effort that saw the bill go forward with a consensus.
Opposition Criticism.
The PTI, meanwhile criticized lawmakers from their own ranks for voting to approve the amendment, claiming those members have betrayed party position. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), the PTI went hard against such members for voting for what it called the same "mafia" they had promised to fight on their election campaign in the first place. PTI MNA Zain Qureshi publicly denied his involvement, assuring that he remained loyal to party chief Imran Khan.
Senate and National Assembly Voting
The Senate passed the bill with 65 votes but needed two thirds majority-only one vote above the requirement. In the National Assembly, where the government required 224 votes for the passage, the bill was passed by a margin of 225 votes, but PTI and members of the Sunni Ittehad Council were against the amendment that took place in the absence of walkout.
Those who approved the bill included senators from the major parties, such as PPP, PML-N, and JUI-F, and some smaller coalition partners along with several independents, including former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
This image shows votes in the Senate in favour of the 26th Amendment
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