Pakistan’s National Assembly on Wednesday passed the historic 27th Amendment with a two-thirds majority, while opposition members staged a walkout, ARY News reported.
The session included top national leaders such as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The bill, introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, required approval from the 336-member house. The ruling coalition, led by PML-N, along with allied parties including PPP, has a commanding majority over the opposition’s 103 seats.
During the proceedings, opposition members protested vigorously, shouting slogans and displaying photographs of PTI leader Imran Khan. They also tore copies of the bill to express dissent. Despite the disruptions, the ruling coalition successfully passed the amendment.
Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari addressed the National Assembly, condemning recent terrorist attacks and urging unity among all political parties. He said the 27th Amendment fulfills commitments under the Charter of Democracy, including the establishment of constitutional courts and amendments to Article 243, which provides constitutional protection to the rank of Field Marshal. Bilawal emphasized the importance of consensus in lawmaking, citing past achievements like the 18th Amendment and the original 1973 Constitution.
Responding to the opposition, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticized their selective protest and hypocrisy. He highlighted the PTI’s past acceptance of controversial political measures, including the unconstitutional dismissal of the no-confidence motion in 2022. He accused opposition members of applying double standards while opposing Parliament’s legal process for passing the amendment.
In other related news also read Bilawal States No One Can Revoke 18th Amendment
The passage of the 27th Amendment marks a significant step in Pakistan’s constitutional framework. While the ruling coalition secured the necessary majority, the lack of unanimous support underscores ongoing political divisions in the country.
