Government senators Anusha Rahman and Khalil Tahir Sandhu have tabled a significant constitutional amendment in the Senate, aiming to extend the immunity currently enjoyed by the president under Article 248 of the Constitution to include the prime minister. The amendment seeks to extend presidential immunity to Pakistan’s prime minister, effectively barring criminal proceedings against the premier during their term in office.
According to parliamentary sources, the proposed amendment intends to broaden the scope of constitutional protection available under Article 248, ensuring that the prime minister, like the president, remains immune from legal prosecution while holding office. Constitutional experts believe that if this amendment is approved, it will provide the prime minister legal cover from criminal cases throughout their tenure, enabling smoother governance.
Senator Anusha Rahman explained that the proposal is essential to allow the head of government to perform constitutional and legal duties without the distraction of ongoing litigation. She emphasized that uninterrupted governance is critical to maintaining stability and policy continuity. Senator Khalil Tahir Sandhu echoed this view, stating that the amendment would help prevent disruptions in decision-making processes caused by legal challenges.
The stated purpose of the amendment is to safeguard the prime minister from unnecessary legal entanglements during their tenure, ensuring that governance remains consistent and effective. The proposal will undergo further debate in the Senate, with final voting expected after review and approval from the relevant committee.
Earlier, the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was presented in the Senate and referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice following its approval by the federal cabinet. Saturday’s Senate session, which began after a delay, opened with Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar requesting the suspension of the question hour to brief lawmakers on the proposed constitutional reforms.