Islamabad (TDI): Amid controversies and countless delays, the Senate of Pakistan finally passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a sweeping majority on Sunday.
A majority of Senators, including those from the Opposition benches, supported the bill while four PTI senators abstained from voting.
A total of 65 Senators voted in favour of the bill, including 19 from PPP, 24 from PML-N, and 5 from JUI-F, alongside smaller parties and independent senators, showcasing a broad consensus on the constitutional changes.
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Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar tabled the bill in the Upper House. Briefing the house on the amendment draft, Tarar clarified that the current Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa showed no interest in tenure extension.
PTI Senator Barrister Ali Zafar criticised the amendment process for lacking consensus. He pointed out the potential weakening of constitutional integrity. He mentioned that PTI senators were instructed not to participate in the vote.
Before the Senate convened, Law Minister Tarar, alongside Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, discussed the bill’s aims to refine the seniority principle in Supreme Court judge appointments and to enhance transparency through a new parliamentary committee structure for judicial appointments.
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The PTI’s decision to abstain was announced by Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, citing harassment and threats against party members, which led to their non-participation in what they described as a rushed and non-consensual amendment process.
This legislative move marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s constitutional evolution, aiming to streamline judicial processes and enhance environmental rights, although it also highlights ongoing political discord.
