The parliament’s joint committee on law and justice has approved the establishment of a federal constitutional court, marking a major step toward the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.

According to sources, the committee approved several key constitutional amendments during its latest meeting, including provisions related to the appointment and transfer of judges, and the expeditious disposal of pending cases.

The proposed court will comprise seven judges, with its chief justice appointed by the president, while the chief justice will nominate the remaining judges.

The committee also approved an amendment allowing the retirement of judges who refuse transfer, although such judges will continue to receive full benefits and pensions.

During the session, coalition partners — including the Awami National Party (ANP), Balochistan National Party (BNP), and Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) — introduced three additional amendments.

A significant change approved by the committee mandates that all pending cases must be decided within one year.

If a case remains inactive for a year, it will be automatically disposed of.

The ANP proposed that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province be officially renamed “Pukhtunkhwa”, arguing that including the name of a single district (Khyber) in the provincial title was inappropriate.

Meanwhile, the MQM’s amendment to allow direct funding for local government representatives was also approved by consensus.

Consultations are ongoing regarding a proposal to increase the number of seats in the Balochistan Assembly.

The committee’s recommendations will soon be presented in the Senate for their approval.

PM withdraws immunity clause proposal

The debate over the 27th Amendment has seen significant developments.

The matter of lifetime immunity for the president remains under consideration, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed Senator Anusha Rahman to withdraw her proposed amendment on prime ministerial immunity.

In a post on social media platform X, the prime minister said: “Upon returning from Azerbaijan, I was informed that some of my party’s senators had proposed an amendment concerning the prime minister’s immunity, which was not part of the cabinet-approved draft. While I appreciate their intentions, I have instructed them to withdraw the clause immediately. The elected prime minister is, of course, answerable to the law and the people’s court.”

Committee chairman Senator Farooq H. Naek welcomed the move, calling it a “positive step” in the committee’s proceedings.

The joint parliamentary committee is currently holding in-camera deliberations in Islamabad, co-chaired by Farooq H. Naek and Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, to review the draft amendment clause by clause.

Naek told reporters that inputs from all political parties were being considered and that the final draft would be ready today.

He added that the views of PML-N and MQM would also be incorporated, and all final decisions would be presented before the house.

Opposition boycott, government optimism

Committee members expressed regret over the opposition’s absence, calling its boycott of the meeting “unfortunate” and a deliberate attempt to distance itself from a “nationally significant process”.

The source said that despite differences over several clauses, the committee continued to work “in good faith” to complete the amendment, which members described as crucial for strengthening democracy.

Meanwhile, Information Minister Atta Tarar said the government had the two-thirds majority required for approval of the amendment and claimed that the ANP had assured its support.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will also host a dinner for senators belonging to coalition parties tonight to ensure a unified vote in favour of the amendment.

Meanwhile, the opposition alliance has announced a nationwide protest movement against the proposed changes.

Allama Nasir Abbas said the campaign would begin tonight.

Opposition lawmakers also staged a strong protest in the Senate, chanting slogans against the government benches.

Balochistan concerns

Senator Manzoor Kakar, representing Balochistan, expressed concern that the province’s interests were being overlooked in the amendment process.

He reiterated that Balochistan’s assembly seats should be increased, recalling a promise made during the 26th Amendment.

“Balochistan makes up half of Pakistan. One MPA’s constituency covers 500 to 600 kilometres, which is unmanageable for any representative,” he said.

The committee’s report is expected to be presented in the Senate tomorrow, with the 27th Constitutional Amendment likely to be approved the same day, following final deliberations in both houses.