ISLAMABAD: The Constitutional Amendment is being hailed as a historic milestone for Pakistan after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced its passage in the National Assembly on Sunday. The Prime Minister emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “Today, it’s been decided that parliament reigns supreme.”
In a late-night session, 225 members of the assembly, including coalition partners and independent lawmakers, voted in favor of the amendment, surpassing the necessary threshold of 224 votes. The crucial backing from a few independent candidates played a pivotal role in this legislative success. Notably, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party did not participate in the voting process, refusing to support the proposed reforms.
The newly passed amendment introduces several key judicial reforms. Under the revised framework, the Chief Justice of Pakistan will now serve a fixed term of three years. The selection process will involve a parliamentary committee that will nominate the Chief Justice from a panel of the three most senior judges. The proposed name will then be forwarded to the Prime Minister and subsequently to the President for final approval. Additionally, a new constitutional bench will be established at both the Supreme Court and high courts, with the senior-most judge on each bench designated as the presiding officer.
During his address in the National Assembly, PM Shehbaz articulated that the Constitutional Amendment represents much more than a simple legal adjustment; it stands as a symbol of unity and consensus across political lines. He stated, “This is more than an amendment; it is a reaffirmation of solidarity.”
Reflecting on the nation’s political history, the Prime Minister criticized what he referred to as “palace conspiracies” that led to the dismissal of past governments and prime ministers. He lamented that these actions had inflicted considerable financial losses on the national treasury. “Billions were lost due to arbitrary decisions that harmed the country’s economy,” he remarked.
Furthermore, PM Shehbaz underscored the urgent need for justice in Pakistan. He pointed out that millions of citizens are still waiting for fair resolutions in a system where cases often drag on for years. “There are people whose loved ones have passed away while waiting for justice. This amendment will make access to justice easier for the common man,” he noted, emphasizing the reform’s importance in enhancing the justice system.
The Prime Minister also paid tribute to the late Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, recalling the Charter of Democracy they signed in 2006. He credited this foundational agreement for paving the way for the current constitutional reforms. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to key political figures such as President Asif Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and JUI-F Emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman for their support in making this amendment possible.
In addressing the opposition, PM Shehbaz directly countered any accusations of illegitimacy regarding the vote. “No one can question the legitimacy of this vote; it wasn’t influenced by any ‘lotas’ (turncoats); this was the will of the elected representatives,” he asserted. Despite PTI’s absence from the voting process, he maintained that the amendment is a victory for the entire nation. “The entire country has witnessed that we set aside personal interests,” he added.
Tthe Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for the Speaker of the National Assembly and all members who contributed to the passage of the Constitutional Amendment. He reaffirmed his belief that these reforms will significantly strengthen and safeguard Pakistan’s future.
The passage of the Constitutional Amendment is seen as a vital step towards enhancing democratic governance and ensuring a more equitable justice system in Pakistan.
