The federal cabinet on Saturday approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment, after taking into consideration suggestions put forward by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting via video link from Baku, Azerbaijan.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and the attorney-general briefed the cabinet on the details of the amendment.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Information Minister Atta Tarar were among the ministers who attended the session.

Sources said that the amendment draft is expected to be presented in the Senate later today after its approval from the cabinet.

The sources noted that the cabinet meeting was originally scheduled for Friday but was postponed due to a deadlock among the political parties.

Law minister speaks to media

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the media outside the Prime Minister’s House that the government will present the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in the Senate today (Saturday).

He added that the bill may also be discussed in a joint parliamentary committee to allow detailed deliberations on its clauses.

The minister said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had consulted all allied parties before finalising the draft.

According to Tarar, the amendment includes the establishment of a separate federal Constitutional Court in line with the principles of the Charter of Democracy.

Following approval, judge transfers will be handled by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, with Chief Justices of High Courts participating in the process.

The draft also contains proposals regarding the tenure of Senate members, increasing the number of ministers from 11% to 13%, and expanding the limit on advisors from five to seven.

Positions not originally included in the 1973 Constitution, such as the Field Marshal post under the Army Act, are also proposed to be made permanent.

Tarar said all proposals will be presented in Parliament, and a two-thirds majority will be required for approval.

The minister added that the amendment includes a review of Article 140-A, which was originally introduced during the 26th Amendment.