A day after the Senate passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment with a two-thirds majority, Federal Law Minister Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar on Tuesday introduced the bill in the National Assembly during a session chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Presenting the bill, Tarar said the amendment had already been approved by the Upper House with the required majority.

During tabling of the bill, the House witnessed loud protests and sloganeering from the opposition benches.

The law minister explained that, under the new provisions, constitutional matters would be heard by a constitutional court, while the judicial commission would be responsible for appointing judges — a practice followed in several countries.

He said the bill sought to abolish the suo motu powers and introduce a clear mechanism aimed at reducing political or external influence over the judiciary and ensuring the stability of the national economy.

Tarar further stated that under the previous system, the president could transfer high court judges under Article 200, but that authority would now rest with the judicial commission.

“If a judge refuses a transfer ordered by the commission, they will be considered retired,” he said.

“The bill ends suo motu powers and establishes a defined procedure,” Tarar said.

“In the past, suo motu actions destabilised the country’s economic system. The bill clearly places the power of judicial transfers with the commission — and refusal to comply will result in automatic retirement.”

The law minister added that the proposed constitutional court would handle constitutional matters, while the Supreme Court would continue hearing civil and other cases, exceeding 62,000 in number.

He said the amendment also proposed immunity for the President; however, the protection would cease if the President were to hold public office again.

Meanwhile, the opposition launched a strong protest during the session. Barrister Gohar Ali Khan of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rejected the amendment, calling it “a dark day for democracy.”

“We do not accept this constitutional amendment,” he said.

“You have turned the Supreme Court into a district court. The office of the Chief Justice of Pakistan no longer exists.”

Barrister Gohar termed the amendment a violation of the Constitution and democratic principles, saying it was driven by “personal and political motives rather than public interest.”

“The 27th Amendment was crafted for personal and political gain,” he alleged.

“The Prime Minister approved it while sitting in Baku.”

He also questioned the proposed lifelong immunity for the President, asking, “In which country does a president enjoy such protection? Even US and French presidents can face legal proceedings.”

“Accountability before the law is the essence of the rule of law,” Gohar remarked.

“The day a ‘man of steel’ rises, this constitutional court will cease to exist.”

He also criticised the increase in the retirement age of superior court judges to 68 years, saying the amendment was “pushed through with the help of turncoats.”

Pointing to Senator Saifullah Abro’s support for the bill, he said, “An amendment passed with the help of defectors cannot serve the people — it only benefits select circles.”