Pakistan Senate approves 27th Constitutional Amendment amid opposition walkout

Pakistan’s Senate approved on Monday the 27th Constitutional Amendment with the required 64 votes after a heated session marked by opposition slogans and a walkout.

The amendment, proposing major judicial and institutional reforms including the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, moves closer to becoming law. The bill was scheduled to be presented in the National Assembly today, but due to disruptions in the house, the session has been postponed to 11am tomorrow, when the bill will now be tabled.

Three senators — Nasima Ehsan of the Balochistan National Party (Mengal), Saifullah Abro from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, and Malik Ahmed Khan of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam — broke ranks with their parties and voted for the bill. During his remarks, Abro announced he was resigning from his Senate position following the vote.

Despite loud protests and chants of “shame” from opposition benches, none of the opposition leaders formally opposed any of the amendment’s clauses during the voting process.

Earlier in the session, Senate Law Committee Chairman Farooq H. Naik presented the joint report of the Senate and National Assembly committee that reviewed and revised the draft. Naik said the committee worked for two days and made several significant changes.

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He said the new Federal Constitutional Court would have equal representation from all provinces. The required experience for high court judges to be appointed to the court would be reduced from seven to five years. Supreme Court judges appointed to the new constitutional court would retain their seniority.

Other revisions include limiting the Supreme Court’s suo motu powers and altering procedures for judicial transfers through the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. Lawmakers also modified the proposed presidential immunity clause. The president will enjoy lifetime immunity from criminal cases, but if they assume public office after elections, that immunity will be revoked.

Awami National Party Senator Aimal Wali Khan criticized both PTI and PML-N governments for introducing major constitutional changes over the past 12 years and said the PPP had joined them in those efforts. He called the government’s withdrawal of proposals related to provincial autonomy, the National Finance Commission and the 18th Amendment “commendable,” adding that his party would back the amendment.

Naik thanked lawmakers for their cooperation and said the reforms aimed to improve the justice system and ensure institutional balance.

During the session, senators from both sides kept close count of those present. Government figures including Anusha Rehman and Sherry Rehman monitored the quorum, while opposition senators Humayun Mohmand and Zeeshan Khanzada tracked their members.

Before the vote, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan Senator Faisal Subzwari said the amendment would strengthen Pakistan’s institutions, defense structure and justice system. He emphasized the need for reforms that support ordinary citizens, calling for faster case resolution and stronger local governments under Article 140-A.

Notable attendees in the gallery included the Balochistan chief minister, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Attorney General Anwar Mansoor, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif and other federal ministers.