The federal government has decided to present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate on November 7, as part of its accelerated efforts to push through key constitutional reforms, sources said.
According to sources, debates on the proposed amendment will be held in both houses of Parliament.
The debate on the proposed 27th Amendment will be held on Friday and Saturday (November 7-8).
The bill is expected to be referred to the relevant standing committee after its presentation, with a possible approval date set for November 10.
Sources added that the Senate session will continue even on the weekend, while the overall session is scheduled to run until November 14.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told the Senate that the government itself was bringing the 27th Constitutional Amendment, dismissing claims of it being a “parachute amendment.”
He said the amendment would be introduced in accordance with the Constitution and law, with all coalition partners being taken into confidence.
Dar revealed that an understanding had already been reached with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) on one key point, while consultations with other allies were in progress.
“My suggestion is that the constitutional amendment should first be tabled in the Senate, and this proposal has also been conveyed to the law minister,” he said.
He added that a parliamentary committee would be formed to deliberate on the constitutional reforms, ensuring that all stakeholders were consulted before finalising the draft.
“The government will present the final version transparently before Parliament,” Dar emphasised.
Rejecting the notion of external influence, Dar reiterated, “The 27th Amendment is being introduced by the government itself; there is no parachute involvement. We have witnessed major democratic milestones like the abolition of Article 58(2)(b), and this amendment will also strengthen democratic continuity.”
Addressing the issue of the opposition leader’s appointment, the deputy prime minister said the process was the responsibility of the Senate chairman and that the government would not create any hurdles.
“The leader of the opposition is chosen by a majority, not through speeches,” he said, urging the chairman to decide the matter soon.
Dar further said parliamentary affairs should be conducted professionally rather than personally, adding that “tearing papers or creating disruptions” did not reflect responsible behaviour.
He assured that no hasty steps would be taken regarding the constitutional amendment and that every party would be allowed to present its views.
“We must collectively strengthen Parliament. The government will fully follow the parliamentary process,” he said.
Dar also mentioned attending a recent meeting on Gaza and noted PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto’s statement on the matter, saying national unity was essential at this juncture.
