Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a historic moment for Pakistan, asserting that it would not only secure the nation’s future but also reinforce parliamentary supremacy.
Addressing the National Assembly after the amendment was approved in the early hours of Monday, the Prime Minister described the occasion as a “historic day,” emphasizing that the amendment symbolizes national solidarity and unity.
“Today marks the dawn of a new era, as a new sun rises to illuminate our country,” he stated.
The amendment, presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, received a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate.
Key Provisions in Amendment
Key provisions include a three-year term for the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the establishment of a 12-member parliamentary committee tasked with selecting the new Chief Justice from a panel of the three most senior judges.
This committee, composed of eight members from the National Assembly and four from the Senate, will propose a nominee to the Prime Minister, who will then forward the recommendation to the President for final approval.
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Furthermore, the amendment creates a Judicial Commission of Pakistan, led by the Chief Justice and comprising three senior judges, two members from both the National Assembly and Senate, the federal minister for law and justice, the attorney general, and a legal expert with at least 15 years of Supreme Court experience to oversee judicial appointments.
The Prime Minister asserted that the amendment aims to eliminate conspiracies aimed at toppling governments and to prevent costly judicial verdicts, such as those related to the Reko Diq and Karkey cases.
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He expressed hope that this legislative change would also alleviate the plight of countless citizens who have endured lengthy waits for justice from the Supreme Court.
Shehbaz Sharif noted that the 26th Constitutional Amendment fulfills the long-held aspirations of the Charter of Democracy, signed by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto and Mian Nawaz Sharif in 2006 and endorsed by Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
In response to criticism from opposition members, the Prime Minister reiterated that the amendment was supported by the votes of allied parties and independent candidates, not by any turncoats.
He reflected on Pakistan’s judicial history, praising great judges like Justice Kiania and Justice Robert Cornelius while acknowledging that some judges had unjustly dismissed two prime ministers.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing gratitude to various political leaders, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, JUI-F’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and others, for their support in passing this significant amendment, which he believes will “strengthen and safeguard the country’s future.”
