NA passes 27th Amendment with two-thirds majority amid heated debate, opposition walkout

• Amendment creates Federal Constitutional Court, reshapes judicial hierarchy with CJP Afridi to continue tenure under new provisions
• PM Shehbaz lauds national unity, condemns recent terrorist attacks in Islamabad and Wana
• Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari highlights Charter of Democracy fulfillment and military reforms
• PTI criticizes judicial and presidential changes, calling the bill a ‘mockery of democracy’
• PPP emphasizes provincial autonomy and balanced representation in Federal Constitutional Court
• Law Minister clarifies continuity of CJP, adds constitutional court to high treason safeguards.

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Wednesday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority in a tumultuous session attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N President Nawaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari.

The bill, presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, was approved through a two-way voting process: division and clause-by-clause voting. The NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced 234 votes in favour and 4 against. Following passage in the lower house, the bill will return to the Senate for deliberation on the new amendments before final approval.

Key Amendments

Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) added to the list of courts that cannot ratify high treason.

The incumbent Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) will retain the title during his term

The CJP will now refer to the senior-most judge among the chief justices of the Supreme Court and FCC

PM Shehbaz Praises Unity, Condemns Terrorism

Speaking after the vote, PM Shehbaz Sharif hailed the session as a demonstration of national unity, thanking lawmakers and paying tribute to late PML-N senator Irfan Siddiqui for his loyalty.

He condemned recent terrorist attacks in Wana and Islamabad, drawing parallels to the Army Public School tragedy. “These khawarij, including Afghan elements, were neutralised. Cadets, students, and teachers were safely rescued,” he said, lauding the army and law enforcement agencies.

The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s vigilance against terrorism, highlighting the evidence of TTP and BLA contacts from Afghanistan and India, referencing the Jaffer Express train abduction in Balochistan. “Denying the involvement of Pakistan’s terrorist enemies is akin to calling day night,” he remarked.

Premier Shehbaz also touched on talks with Afghanistan in Turkiye, urging Afghan authorities to curb terrorist activities. He emphasized that Pakistan seeks peace and regional prosperity but requires genuine cooperation against terror networks.

27th Amendment and Military Recognition

The PM thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and allies for supporting the amendment, calling it the fulfilment of the Charter of Democracy’s vision of a constitutional court.

He linked the amendment to Pakistan’s military performance during the May conflict with India, highlighting the international prestige gained and the subsequent conferment of field marshal rank to the army chief, now constitutionally protected.

PM Shehbaz stressed the alignment between him and Bilawal on federal-provincial relations, ruling out unilateral rollbacks of the 18th Amendment or the National Finance Commission (NFC) award. “I stand for what strengthens Pakistan and the federation,” he said.

Opposition Voices Alarm

PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan sharply criticized the amendment, accusing the government of undermining judicial independence. He argued that the subclause AB in Article 260 manipulates the tenure of CJP Yahya Afridi and allows a “musical chair” system for the position. “Rushing these amendments has sunk the ship of democracy,” he said, promising reversal if PTI regains a parliamentary majority.

The session erupted as PTI lawmakers tore copies of the bill, prompting PML-N parliamentarians to form a human shield around PM Shehbaz and Nawaz Sharif. Opposition members staged a walkout, protesting both the bill and the voting process.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar responded, clarifying continuity issues regarding the CJP and emphasizing that Article 6 now includes the constitutional court, preventing any abrogation of the Constitution.

PPP Supports Key Provisions

Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, addressing the assembly amid PTI disruptions, condemned recent terrorist attacks and highlighted the necessity of unity. He justified PPP support for Article 243 changes related to military leadership “in the context of Pakistan facing asymmetric warfare” and praised the constitutional cover given to the field marshal rank after Pakistan’s May conflict with India.

Bilawal stressed the importance of consensus in legislative processes, citing the 1973 Constitution and the 18th Amendment, and urged dialogue with opposition parties to reduce political polarisation.

He rejected any rollback of the 18th Amendment, particularly in provincial resource allocation, warning against empowering separatists. Bilawal also lauded government acceptance of PPP demands for equal provincial representation in the FCC and reaffirmed that suo motu powers would no longer threaten elected representatives.

Information Minister Criticizes Opposition

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar lambasted PTI and other opposition parties for selective morality and historical amnesia, referencing the 2022 removal of Imran Khan as PM and the Form-47 controversy post-2024 elections.

He accused the PTI of inciting political violence and failing to participate in parliamentary committees for the 27th Amendment. “Creating an uproar without clause-by-clause discussion achieves nothing,” he said, emphasizing that the amendment strengthens governance, defence, and justice delivery.

Nafisa Shah Defends PPP Role

PPP lawmaker Nafisa Shah highlighted her party’s role in shaping the amendment, ensuring provincial autonomy, blocking proposals to enhance executive powers, and safeguarding dual nationality provisions. She emphasized the need for the FCC to prevent unconstitutional judicial actions and curb misuse of judge transfers.

Shah noted that, despite some controversial elements, circumstances demanded strategic engagement: “We have to take whatever space we get. Boycott is not an option.”

Speaker Urges Dialogue

NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq invited the opposition to engage in talks, highlighting repeated efforts by PM Shehbaz to facilitate discussion. PkMAP leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai criticized the amendments as undemocratic, alleging manipulation of mandates and historical injustices, while PTI Chairman Gohar Ali Khan reaffirmed willingness for dialogue, urging access for Imran Khan in jail.

Passage Timeline and Political Context

The 27th Amendment builds on the 26th Constitutional Amendment, passed in October 2024 amid controversy over PTI and BNP-M lawmakers. Speculation ended when Bilawal announced support for the PM-led amendment on social media, followed by cabinet approval and referral to standing committees. The Senate approved the bill on Nov 10 with 64 votes amid opposition walkouts.

If the 27th Constitutional Amendment is tabled today, God willing, it will pass. Sadly, the opposition made noise without reading the bill. The Pakistan Army’s Wana operation rescuing 500+ students is a historic feat to be taught in military academies. Pakistan has defeated a… pic.twitter.com/sKRLH2G10P

— Attaullah Tarar (@TararAttaullah) November 12, 2025

The amendment introduces the FCC, reforms the command structure of the armed forces, and clarifies judicial hierarchy, while providing constitutional cover for the military’s top leadership. It has generated opposition claims of elite privilege, executive overreach, and erosion of judicial independence, while ruling parties defend it as necessary for governance, defence, and national unity.

Opposition and Judiciary Reactions

Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan has announced nationwide protests, accusing the bill of creating an elite class and undermining democracy. PTI leaders claim the bill paralyzes the judiciary, while Sardar Latif Khosa accuses the PPP of constitutional manipulation.

PML-N and PPP lawmakers, including Daniyal Chaudhry and Shazia Marri, defend the FCC and constitutional protections for field marshal rank. MQM-P leaders advocate strengthening local governments, while former judges and lawyers voice concern over judicial implications.

Government vs. Opposition Narrative

The amendment is framed as a continuation of the Charter of Democracy, aiming to establish civilian supremacy, improve judicial efficiency, and safeguard national security. Opposition parties, however, warn that selective clauses and rushed processes threaten democracy, judicial independence, and public trust.

Despite the tension, the amendment’s passage reflects Parliament’s capacity to pass significant constitutional reforms, consolidating government and ally support while the opposition stages protests and challenges the changes publicly.