Pakistan's President Zardari Enacts 27th Constitutional Amendment

Islamabad, Pakistan – On Thursday, President Asif Ali Zardari officially enacted the 27th Constitutional Amendment, integrating it into Pakistan’s Constitution following Parliamentary approval. This legislation introduces extensive changes to the country’s judicial and military frameworks.

The Constitution (Twenty-Seventh Amendment) Bill, 2025, received the president’s assent based on recommendations from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, having passed through the National Assembly and Senate amidst contentious debates and protests from opposition parties.

In the Senate, the amendment garnered 64 votes in favor, exceeding the necessary two-thirds majority within the 96-member chamber, with four senators opposing the bill. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani affirmed the successful passage, noting that it met the constitutional voting requirements.

The National Assembly approved the amendment the previous day, achieving 234 votes for and four against, despite an opposition walkout. Several essential changes to the Senate’s original draft were made, including clarifications regarding the new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), the ranking of top judges, and the elimination of specific oath-related provisions.

Key Amendments and Changes:

• Article 6(2A): High treason charges now explicitly cover the FCC.

• Article 10(4): The Supreme Court is now involved in overseeing preventive detention.

• Oath-Related Clauses: Proposals to transfer the oath-administering function from the Chief Justice of Pakistan to the Chief Justice of the FCC have been rescinded.

• Judicial Hierarchy: Clause 56 redefines the Chief Justice of Pakistan as the “senior amongst the Chief Justice of the FCC and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,” formalizing the ranking of these top judicial positions.

• Incumbent Chief Justice Status: Clause 23 guarantees that the current Chief Justice retains their title throughout their term.

This amendment passed with a two-thirds majority in the 336-member National Assembly. The ruling coalition, led by PML-N, successfully rallied support from allied parties like PPP, MQM-P, and PML-Q, with only four lawmakers from JUI-F opposing the amendment.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment signifies a crucial development in Pakistan’s legal and military landscape, redefining judicial structures and clarifying military leadership roles. Experts believe these changes may have lasting effects on constitutional governance and judicial independence in the nation.