A constitutional amendment proposing to grant the prime minister immunity from criminal proceedings during the term in office was presented in the joint parliamentary committee on law and justice on Saturday.

The amendment, moved by PML-N MNA Anusha Rehman and Senator Zahid Khalil Sandhu, seeks to insert the words “prime minister” into Article 248 of the Constitution, the same clause that already shields the president from criminal prosecution while in office.

The joint committee meeting, chaired by Senator Farooq H. Naek, discussed the proposal in detail before adjourning. The next session of the Law and Justice Committee will resume tomorrow at 11:30 a.m.

Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar briefed members during the meeting, saying that all political parties had been invited to share their input. He added that consultations would continue until a consensus is reached.

The Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) boycotted the session, expressing reservations over the committee’s working procedure.

JUI-F Senator Aaliya Kamran said that while much debate had surrounded the 27th Constitutional Amendment, her party was never shared the draft. She claimed that provisions previously withdrawn in the 26th Amendment were being reintroduced.

Senator Kamran questioned the process, asking how members could give their opinion when the bill had not yet been presented in the National Assembly.

“Is the National Assembly so irrelevant that the bill is being approved directly from the committee?” she remarked.

Earlier, PTI leaders speaking to the media outside Parliament criticised the proposed changes, saying they were provided with the draft during the Senate session and informed of a meeting later in the day.

Barrister Ali Zafar said the party had decided not to attend the committee meeting, alleging that around 50 amendments were being rushed through without proper debate.

“It seems they want to ensure lifelong immunity for the president — and now, the prime minister as well,” he added.