Pakistan Senate Passes 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill

Islamabad [Pakistan], October 21: The Pakistan Senate successfully passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill on Sunday with a two-thirds majority, as reported by Ary News. The bill, which aims to expedite the delivery of justice, faced strong resistance from the opposition, particularly Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which staged protests alleging that the bill could weaken the judiciary’s powers.

Minister of Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill in the Senate, where it received 65 votes in favor and 4 against. The bill includes 27 clauses proposing amendments to various articles of the Constitution. After initial opposition, the ruling government managed to secure support from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F), incorporating amendments suggested by the party.

The bill, which had already been approved by the federal Cabinet, will now be presented in the Pakistan National Assembly. Prior to the Senate vote, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif led a crucial cabinet meeting attended by President Asif Ali Zardari, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, and Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar. The government coalition remained resolute in ensuring the bill’s approval.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the passing of the bill as a significant step toward “constitutional stability and the rule of law” and emphasized the government’s commitment to national development and prosperity.