Govt, opposition add fresh proposals to 27th Amendment draft ahead of NA vote

The 27th Constitutional Amendment, expected to be approved by the National Assembly (NA) today, has undergone several changes in its draft. The new proposals, introduced by both the government and the opposition, will be presented in the House for discussion and voting.

After approval from the National Assembly, the bill will proceed to the Senate once again, as the earlier version passed by the upper house did not include the newly added proposals.

Amid widespread criticism that the amendment could weaken democratic institutions and expand executive authority, the government has introduced modifications aimed at preserving what it calls a “semblance of democracy” in Pakistan.

One of the key changes in Article 6, Clause 2A stipulates that anyone attempting to suspend the Constitution will be charged with treason, and such actions will not be ratified by the Supreme Court or the Federal Constitutional Court.

Additionally, Pakistan’s name will be added to the titles of the Chief Justice and the Supreme Court or High Courts.

The 27th Amendment requires a two-thirds majority for approval — a threshold the ruling coalition comfortably meets with 336 seats, compared to the opposition’s 103. The bill is expected to pass in the NA before being presented in the Senate session scheduled for 5 p.m. today.

Meanwhile, debate in the Assembly remains heated, as the government and opposition traded verbal blows. Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party Chairperson Mahmood Achakzai strongly criticized the proposed amendment, calling it an attempt to limit public access to democratic institutions