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Government Denies Plans for 27th Amendment Amid Rising Tensions
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar insists no 27th constitutional amendment is being considered, despite hints from government officials.
ND
by News Desk
2024-10-29
Government Denies Plans for 27th Amendment Amid Rising Tensions

Amid rising speculation regarding a potential 27th constitutional amendment, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated on Monday that the government is not contemplating such legislation. His remarks came during a press briefing after attending a meeting of the Parliamentarians for Global Action at Parliament House.

 

Despite Tarar's firm stance, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Law, Barrister Aqeel Malik, indicated the government might introduce "an amendment" in parliament, raising questions about whether this pertains to a constitutional amendment or ordinary legislation. Sources suggest that a bill to amend the Supreme Court Practice & Procedure Act could be presented to the legislature soon.

 

The political atmosphere remains tense, with ruling coalition ally Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and opposition parties pledging to block any such amendment. They have threatened to mobilize public protests against the government's potential move. “There is no chance of bringing such a (27th) constitutional amendment,” Tarar reiterated, urging the media to refrain from speculating about new legislative proposals.

 

He emphasized the government's commitment to implementing the recently passed 26th amendment, which altered the procedure for appointing judges to the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

 

In a separate statement to Geo News, Barrister Aqeel hinted that while a 27th constitutional amendment could be on the table, it would only proceed with consensus. He dismissed rumors of introducing military courts, clarifying that discussions centered around the rights of provinces.

 

Meanwhile, Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman, who played a key role in passing the 26th amendment, expressed his party's determination to resist any controversial provisions that were initially excluded from that amendment. “Will we allow the passage of those things that we excluded (from the 26th amendment)?” he questioned during a public meeting.

 

Earlier in the day, PPP members voiced their frustrations in the National Assembly regarding the absence of ministers, leading to calls for an adjournment until an important bill could be tabled on Friday. Reports indicate that the Practice and Procedure Act Amendment Bill concerning the superior judiciary is expected to be introduced, although the PPP and two other coalition partners are reportedly against it.

 

PTI leader Asad Qaiser, speaking on the floor of the house, warned that his party would actively block the way of the proposed 27th amendment. He threatened that the party would rally the nation against the amendment, claiming that discussions had occurred among government officials regarding the new legislation.

 

As the political climate intensifies, the prospect of the 27th amendment remains a contentious issue, with both government and opposition factions gearing up for potential conflict in the parliamentary arena.

 
Tagged:

PakistanPolitics

Constitution

PoliticalTensions

27thAmendment
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