Islamabad(The COW News Digital)The Pakistani government has decided to secure approval for the 27th Constitutional Amendment from both parliamentary houses by November 14. Sources indicate that the House Business Advisory Committee, chaired by the National Assembly Speaker, has agreed that the amendment will first be presented in the Senate.
To ensure smooth passage, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has canceled all foreign visits for federal ministers and lawmakers, signaling the administration’s determination to prioritize the legislative process. In the Senate, 64 votes are required for the amendment to pass. The ruling coalition, which holds 61 seats, will need the support of three additional members from parties such as JUI or ANP to meet the quorum.
In the National Assembly, 224 votes are needed to approve the amendment. The government reportedly enjoys support from 237 members, including 125 from the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), 74 from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and 22 from the MQM. Smaller parties contributing to the coalition include Pakistan Muslim League, Istiqamaat-e-Pakistan Party, Muslim League Zia, National Party, and Balochistan Awami Party, alongside four independent members.
Opposition parties have voiced strong objections. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar criticized the amendment, claiming it contradicts the spirit of the Constitution. In response, Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry condemned attempts to politicize the amendment, describing them as “unwarranted and misleading.”
Senator Faisal Vawda, following a meeting with JUI-F leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman, indicated that the numbers required for approval are sufficient. He clarified that discussions with Maulana focused on procedural and numerical aspects rather than the substantive clauses of the amendment, emphasizing that JUI-F will make its own independent decision regarding support.
The proposed amendment includes provisions for strengthening governance structures, including a suggested framework in which a single Chief of Defence Staff would oversee all armed forces institutions, according to recommendations from the former Attorney General.
