Pakistan Constitutional Amendments:

[Olympus81]

Here is what will happen.

Few years down the line a new COAS will arrive and commit to another amendment to give more power to himself while their supporters will be cursing the current COAS and IK.

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist too much concentration of responsibility to a single person / entity with very little accountability is a recipe for disaster.

 

[Fatman17]

"Pakistan has witnessed military dictators abrogating or suspending the Constitution several times in the past. In fact, Gen Ziaul Haq has been quoted as saying that the Constitution was nothing more than a piece of paper which he could tear up at any time. The late dictator’s remarks were a reflection of the arrogance that comes with power and of a dismissive attitude towards a Constitution that had been adopted unanimously by an elected parliament in 1973. The Constitution was restored with some amendments after the death of Gen Zia in an air crash in 1988."


To read the full opinion by Zahid Hussain, visit: https://www.dawn.com/news/1954621/killing-the-constitution

 

[Forsvaret]

The Constitution was restored with some amendments after the death of Gen Zia in an air crash in 1988.

Generals use this "restoration" of the constitution for time-gaining, so they could come back in power by abrogating the constitution again. Musharaf’s coup in 1999 and current Asim Muneer’s dictatorship is evident of that.

 

[ghazi52]

Clause-by-clause voting underway for 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in NA; opposition stages walkout​

News Desk | Syed Irfan Raza
November 12, 2025

Clause-by-clause voting is underway for the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The bill was presented in the house for voting by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari are also present in the house.

As soon as PM Shehbaz, Nawaz, and Bilawal entered the house, PTI members tore up copies of the bill and threw them towards the PM’ chair. PML-N parliamentarians immediately created a human shield around the premier and Nawaz to protect them, so that no PTI member could come close to them.

Moreover, as soon as Tarar, who had tabled the bill during yesterday’s NA session, began today’s speech, opposition members gathered near the speaker’s dais to register their protest. After that, they staged a walkout from the assembly.

The PML-N-led coalition government had succeeded in manoeuvring the passage of the bill through the Senate amid the opposition’s protest on Monday.

It now needs the NA’s approval, which means the support of a two-thirds majority in the 336-member house, followed by the president’s assent.

The ruling coalition commands the required number, with the PML-N holding 125 seats, PPP 74, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan 22, Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid five, Istehkam-i-Pakistan Party four, and the Pakistan Muslim League-Zia and Balochistan Awami Party and National Peoples Party one seat each. Meanwhile, the opposition has 103 seats.

 

[ghazi52]

‘If bill is tabled today, it will surely be passed’​

Speaking to the media outside Parliament today, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said if the amendment bill was tabled in the NA for voting today, it would surely be passed.

He also expressed his wish for the opposition to have “engaged in a fruitful clause-by-clause discussion” on the bill.

 

[ghazi52]

Opposition to the bill​

The bill proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) as well as changes to the military leadership structure.

Taking exception to the proposed tweaks, opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan has announced a nationwide protest movement against the proposed amendment, urging the people to take a stand against the “extremely dark and dangerous” change in the Constitution.

While debating it in the NA yesterday, PTI Chairperson Barrister Gohar Ali Khan accused the government of attempting to “create another elite class” by means of the bill. He made these remarks particularly in reference to a proposal in the bill to grant the president lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings and arrests, except for the period during which he holds public office following the end of their tenure.

Gohar also warned that “with the passing of the [27th] Amendment, democracy here will only exist in name,” adding that his party “will not accept” it.

Sardar Latif Khosa from his party accused the PPP of “playing naughtily” with the Constitution at the behest of the ruling PML-N.

Similarly, PTI leader Amir Dogar warned the 27th Amendment would paralyse the judiciary, adding that none of its clauses served the public interest.

 

[ghazi52]

Passage of the bill so far​

The government’s plan to make a 27th Amendment to the Constitution is taking shape roughly a year after it managed to get the 26th Constitutional Amendment approved.

The 26th Amendment was passed by Parliament during an overnight session in October 2024, with the PTI claiming seven of its lawmakers were abducted to gain their favour as the party opposed the legislation. The Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) also alleged its two senators were being pressured, with both later defying party line to vote in the tweaks’ favour.

In the following months, even though the 26th Amendment remained mired in controversy and continued to face challenges in the court, the power corridors in Islamabad remained abuzz with talk of a possible 27th Constitutional Amendment.

The speculation about whether the government intended to further tweak the Constitution was put to rest when PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari announced on social media platform X on November 3 that a Prime Minister Shehbaz-led delegation had sought his party’s support for the amendment.

Subsequntly, PM Shehbaz had also held consultations with other ruling allies to secure support for the controversial amendment.

The bill was then tabled in the Senate on Nov 8, just hours after it was approved by the federal cabinet in a meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz via a video link from Baku. It was subsequently referred to the Senate and NA standing committees on law and justice, which approved it the very next day with some minor changes to the initial draft.

Law Minister Tarar tabled it in the Senate for voting on Nov 10. The contentious bill was approved by the upper house of Parliament after 64 lawmakers voted in its favour, with members of the opposition staging a noisy walkout. The PML-N led coalition government had managed to secure a two-thirds majority to get the bill passed with the unexpected support of two opposition senators who voted against their party lines.

 

[Fatman17]

The Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) oath is a pledge taken by cadets to serve Pakistan with loyalty, upholding the constitution and law, and serving in the armed forces with honesty, integrity, and faithfulness. It includes a commitment to abstain from political activities and to perform duties to the best of their ability in the interest of the nation's sovereignty, integrity, and well-being. Cadets from various courses, including the Lady Cadet Course, take this oath during passing out or special ceremonies like the Joint Military Training (JMT) course.

Key components of the oath

• Loyalty and service: To serve Pakistan with honesty and faithfulness in the army, navy, or air force.
• Constitutional adherence: To uphold the Constitution and the law.
• National interest: To act in the interest of the country's sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being, and prosperity.
• Political neutrality: To not engage in political activities.

Occasions for the oath

• Passing out ceremonies: Cadets take the oath upon completing their training at PMA.
• Special ceremonies: The oath is also administered during special events, such as the inaugural Joint Military Training (JMT) course, which includes cadets from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistan govt set to introduce most sweeping changes in structure of military — through 27th Amendment.

— Field Marshall shall retain the rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life time and will have legal immunity.

— Field Marshall will not be removed, unless impeached like President via two-third majority in the parliament.

- New post of Chief of Defence Forces or Commander of Defence Forces to be introduced in 27th amendment.

- Army Chief will also serve as CDF.

— Commander of Defence Forces will oversee Army, Navy & Air Force under the single unified command.

 

[ghazi52]

Pakistani govt is set to introduce 27th amendment in the constitution to abolish dual nationality in Pakistan.

— With this change, dual citizenship will become illegal. Foreign passport will mean losing Pakistani nationality.

Pakistani govt proposes the 27th amendment to ban all dual nationality holders from serving in govt positions.

— Over 22,000 Pakistani bureaucrats hold dual nationalites, as disclosed in a parliamentary briefing recently.

 

[ARMalik]

Can’t even say a sentence without spewing Bughaz-e-Imran as usual.

The medical condition for involuntary eye rolling is nystagmus, which causes uncontrollable, repetitive eye movements like side-to-side, up-and-down, or circular motions. It is often a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the inner ear, brain, or eyes, and can be present from birth or develop later in life.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rolling+eyes+disease&oq=rolling+eyes+disease&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyDQgBEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgCEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyDQgDEAAYhgMYgAQYigUyCggEEAAYgAQYogQyCggFEAAYgAQYogTSAQg1ODExajBqNKgCALACAQ&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#cobssid=s

 

[Solomon2]

In any separation-of-powers political system, arrangements have to be in place to preserve independence of the power centers, lest one center usurp and overpower the others.

For example, in the U.S., the Capitol Police protect the U.S. Congress grounds. The U.S. president can't send the police and forces he commands into the area without the permission of the Speaker of the House.

The 27th Amendment introduces a new court above Pakistan's "Supreme" court. What mechanisms will be in place to assure its independence from Pakistan's parliament or military?

 

[ghazi52]

NA passes 27th Amendment Bill in chaotic session attended by political bigwigs​

News Desk | Syed Irfan Raza
November 12, 2025

The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill during a ruckus-marred session attended by political heavyweights, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

The bill was passed by a two-way voting process — voting by division and clause-by-clause voting. Presented in the house for voting by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the bill will now be referred back to the Senate for the new amendments to be debated upon again and then will be passed by the upper house.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq said the bill received 234 votes in favour and four against.

 

[Meengla]

The 27th Amendment introduces a new court above Pakistan's "Supreme" court. What mechanisms will be in place to assure its independence from Pakistan's parliament or military?

Judiciary in Pakistan is held in high esteem or in contempt, depending on which political party is in power. Some of the Judges have caused incalculable losses to Pakistan and are retired, enjoying cushy retirement.
I am sure there are provisions put in place to make the new Const. Court accountable; I think @ARMalik posted a very good video yesterday in this thread about the judicial history and the proposed reforms.
But your question is based on an idealism which doesn't exist in Pakistan. The ongoing Amendments are about cementing the current semi-Martial Law, to create 'stability', and to prepare for a war with India, among many reasons.

 

[Meengla]

Here is the video which @ARMalik posted yesterday. English captions available.

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