By Infocatchy | Updated: November 2025
The joint parliamentary committee of the Senate and National Assembly has officially commenced deliberations on Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, a landmark proposal that could reshape the country’s political, judicial, and military structures. The draft, which has stirred widespread debate, was presented after approval from the federal cabinet and continues to dominate headlines across Pakistan’s political spectrum.
This article explores the provisions, reactions, and implications of the 27th Constitutional Amendment — one of the most significant legal reforms since the 1973 Constitution itself.
What Is the 27th Constitutional Amendment?
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 is a comprehensive set of legal reforms proposed by the federal government. It seeks to restructure Pakistan’s military command, introduce a Federal Constitutional Court, amend judicial appointment processes, and grant lifetime immunity to the president.
According to government sources, the reform aims to modernize Pakistan’s constitutional framework and “ensure balance between institutions,” though opposition leaders argue it centralizes power and undermines the original spirit of the 1973 Constitution.
Background: How the Amendment Came About
After months of internal consultations, the Law and Justice Joint Parliamentary Committee began its formal session under Senator Farooq H. Naik (PPP).
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar confirmed that 85% of the drafting process had been completed and expressed confidence that the committee would finalize the amendment soon.
However, several political parties — including Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), JUI-F, MWM, and PKMAP — boycotted the session, claiming it lacked transparency and consensus.
Despite the boycott, the government continued proceedings, incorporating input from PPP, PML-N, MQM, and regional parties like the ANP and BNP.
Major Highlights of the 27th Constitutional Amendment
1. Creation of a Federal Constitutional Court
One of the most transformative provisions is the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).
This court will serve as a specialized body for resolving constitutional disputes and interpreting the Constitution, effectively taking over many of the Supreme Court’s former functions under Articles 184 and 186, which are proposed to be abolished.
Key Features of the FCC:
- Composed of a Chief Justice and judges representing all provinces equally
- Empowered to adjudicate federal–provincial disputes and interpret constitutional clauses
- Judges will serve until the age of 68
- Chief Justice will hold a three-year term
- Pending constitutional petitions will be transferred from the Supreme Court to the FCC
Supporters say this will reduce the Supreme Court’s burden and ensure consistency in constitutional interpretation. Critics, however, warn that it may weaken judicial independence and create parallel power centers.
2. Judicial Reforms and Transfer of Judges
The bill proposes amendments to Article 200, granting the President authority to transfer High Court judges between provinces based on recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP).
For this purpose, both relevant Chief Justices will be included in the JCP deliberations. Judges refusing transfer will be deemed to have retired, and their seniority will remain based on their initial appointment date.
3. Redefining Judicial Appointments
Under Article 175A, the Judicial Commission will be expanded to include:
- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court
- Senior judges from both courts
- One additional judge jointly nominated by both Chief Justices
The senior-most of the two Chief Justices will chair the Commission.
This change reflects a new dual-court structure, with the FCC and Supreme Court functioning alongside each other, but with different jurisdictions.
4. Lifetime Immunity for the President
Perhaps the most controversial clause is the one granting lifetime legal immunity to the President of Pakistan.
Added to Article 248, this amendment ensures:
- The President cannot be prosecuted or arrested during or after tenure
- Governors retain protection only during their terms
- No court can issue orders for the President’s arrest “for life”
This clause was reportedly demanded by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during committee deliberations, reviving debate about accountability and equality before law.
Federal Law Minister Azam Tarar confirmed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declined similar immunity, stating that “the Prime Minister’s role is different and should not include such protection.”
5. Military Command Restructuring
A major institutional shift is proposed under Article 243, which consolidates Pakistan’s military command structure.
The amendment introduces the new office of the Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) — replacing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Key points include:
- CDF will serve as the supreme military authority under civilian oversight
- The President, on advice of the Prime Minister, will appoint the CDF
- The existing Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff office will be abolished by November 27, 2025
- Senior officers promoted to Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will retain rank and privileges for life
This consolidation, the government argues, will improve military efficiency and coordination. Critics, however, caution that such changes might centralize too much authority in a single office.
6. Disposition of Pending Cases
Another approved amendment extends the decision period for pending cases from six months to one year. If a case remains inactive beyond this period, it will be considered disposed of — a move aimed at reducing judicial backlog but criticized for potentially limiting access to justice.
Political Reactions: Opposition vs Government
Government’s Stance
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar told reporters that the reforms were designed to streamline governance and reduce institutional conflict.
He added that immunity for the President was still under review but other changes had broad approval within coalition ranks.
PPP Senator Farooq H. Naik, who chaired the session, emphasized:
“Every party has the right to give its opinion. We are hopeful of finalizing the draft today and presenting it in Parliament.”
He confirmed that consultations on Articles 243, 200, and 175A were largely complete and that proposals from MQM and PML-N had been incorporated.
Opposition’s Stance
In sharp contrast, the opposition termed the amendment a “constitutional overreach”.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and Raja Nasser Abbas led strong criticism, describing the bill as a threat to democracy.
Achakzai said:
“This is an attack on the Constitution — a dark day like 9/11 for Pakistan’s democracy.”
Khokhar argued that granting lifetime immunity and restructuring the judiciary violates the founding spirit of 1973:
“If the 27th Amendment passes, it will mark the death of the original Constitution.”
Opposition groups also announced protests at 8:30 PM, under the slogan “We do not accept such a constitution.”
Boycotts and Committee Absences
Several key parties — PTI, JUI-F, MWM, and PKMAP — boycotted the joint parliamentary meeting entirely, calling it illegitimate without opposition representation.
Despite this, the government coalition proceeded, supported by PPP, MQM, ANP, and BNP, which presented their own proposals during the session.
ANP suggested renaming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by removing “Khyber,” while MQM secured agreement on local government funding reforms.
Articles Under Discussion and Finalization Status
Sources from within the committee confirmed that 12 major clauses — from Article 175A to 175L — have already been finalized.
Consultations on Supreme Judicial Council reconstitution, judicial transfers, and advisers’ appointment limits are also complete.
The joint session is expected to present the final draft to Parliament by 5:00 PM, pending last-minute adjustments.
Public and Legal Reactions
Legal experts and analysts have expressed divided opinions on the bill.
Supporters believe it could reduce political polarization, speed up judicial reforms, and modernize command structures in line with global standards.
Critics warn that it undermines checks and balances, giving excessive power to the executive branch.
Constitutional expert Dr. Osama Siddique noted in a recent interview that,
“Pakistan’s constitution evolves in cycles — each reform is shaped by political necessity rather than principle. The 27th Amendment continues that tradition.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Bar Council (PBC) and Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) are reportedly preparing to issue joint statements evaluating the amendment’s legal consistency with constitutional norms.
SEO Summary: Why This Amendment Matters
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Pakistan 2025 is being described as a turning point for the nation’s civil-military relations and judicial independence. Whether it strengthens governance or sparks further political friction will depend on its implementation and interpretation in practice.
For now, it stands as a symbol of Pakistan’s ongoing struggle to balance democracy, institutional autonomy, and accountability under an evolving constitutional framework.
References and Sources
- The Express Tribune — “Joint committee session commences to deliberate 27th Constitutional Amendment”
- Dawn News — “27th Amendment draft presented in Senate”
- Geo News — “PPP seeks lifetime immunity for president under proposed reforms”
- The News International — “Opposition condemns 27th Amendment, terms it unconstitutional”
- Parliament of Pakistan — Official summary of the Law and Justice Committee proceedings
