The government will present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the National Assembly during Tuesday’s session, following its approval in the Senate on Monday.

According to a notification issued by the National Assembly Secretariat outlining the agenda for the day, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar will formally table the bill.

The National Assembly on Monday witnessed a ruckus as both the treasury and opposition members engaged in sharp exchanges.

PTI lawmakers staged a loud protest, entering the assembly hall with posters of party founder Imran Khan, adding to the charged atmosphere.

The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, began with newly elected PML-N lawmaker Bilal Farooq Tarar taking the oath.

Soon after, tensions flared as opposition members entered the House carrying posters of the PTI founder and chanted slogans in favour of the PTI founder.

Several PTI lawmakers gathered in front of the speaker’s dais, raising slogans against the 27th constitutional amendment.

Mahmood Khan Achakzai joined the protest, while Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) lawmakers stayed seated and did not participate in the protest.

Verbal duels in the House

Speaking on the floor, PTI leader Asad Qaiser criticised the government, saying: “Those rejected by the people are now making laws. This assembly has no right to amend the Constitution. If the Chief Justice is chosen by the Prime Minister, how can he deliver justice to the public or the opposition?”

PPP senior leader Raja Pervez Ashraf, responding sharply, accused the PTI of undermining democracy.

“You have become a noise-making machine and enemies of democracy,” he said.

“Those speaking against Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir are misguided. You speak the same language as India. You were brought here to make noise, not to legislate.”

Ashraf defended the 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying it would strengthen Pakistan’s defence.

Ashraf added, “You people glorify corruption and ridicule the army. If you insult us, expect the same in return. You cannot hold this House hostage.”

Govt, opposition exchange barbs

PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi also took aim at the PTI, saying Pakistan had earned global recognition under the current government.

“We will not tolerate any anti-state elements. One party’s leader wants chaos and unrest in the country,” he said.

PTI lawmaker Sher Afzal Marwat, however, hit back, saying: “Do whatever you must, but don’t make life so difficult that one has to hide in his own homeland. Do something for civilian supremacy for once.”

Legislation and resolutions

During the session, the Privatisation Commission (Amendment) Bill was passed by a majority vote.

Two other bills — the Civil Servants (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Iqbal Academy (Amendment) Bill 2025 — were referred to the relevant standing committees for detailed review and recommendations.

Parliamentary Secretary Asia Ishaq presented the Privatisation Commission bill, while Federal Minister Tariq Fazl Chaudhry tabled the other two bills.

Chaudhry also raised concern over misinformation about vaccination campaigns, saying that “false propaganda remains the biggest hurdle in eradicating polio in Pakistan.”

The deputy speaker referred the matter to the Health Committee for further review.

Bhutto declared “national martyr”

The National Assembly also adopted a resolution declaring former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto a “national martyr.”

The resolution, moved after suspension of the rules, stated that the Supreme Court had ruled Bhutto was denied a fair trial and recognised his sacrifice for democracy and public rights.

It called on the federal government to officially notify Bhutto’s status as a national martyr.

The session was later adjourned until 11am on Tuesday.