Islamabad, November 10, 2025: The Senate on Monday passed the landmark 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2025, seeking major reforms in Pakistan’s military and judicial structures. The bill was adopted amid a noisy opposition protest and walkout, during which lawmakers tore copies of the draft in dissent.
The 59-clause bill, presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, secured the required two-thirds majority with 64 votes in favor in the 96-member upper house. No votes were cast against it as the opposition parties boycotted the proceedings. The bill will now move to the National Assembly for approval.
Among those supporting the legislation were the Awami National Party (ANP), PTI-backed Senator Saifullah Abro, and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan. Abro, who neither joined the protest nor opposed the motion, later announced his resignation from the Senate during his address.
Key highlights of the 27th Amendment
The newly approved amendment introduces sweeping structural and procedural changes, including:
- Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to assume the title of Chief of Defence Forces.
- Titles such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet to be held for life.
- Creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with equal provincial representation.
- The FCC empowered to take suo motu notice on petitions.
- One Islamabad High Court judge to serve on the FCC bench.
- President and Prime Minister to have a defined role in judicial appointments.
- Certain Supreme Court powers transferred to the FCC.
- Presidential immunity curtailed if the President assumes a public office post-tenure.
- Eligibility for FCC judges: five years’ service in a High Court.
Judicial Commission to oversee transfer of High Court judges, with objections reviewed by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC).
Government hails passage as ‘historic’
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar hailed the passage of the amendment as a “historic milestone,” recalling that the idea of a constitutional court was first proposed in the Charter of Democracy signed by Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
Dar claimed the reforms would enhance judicial efficiency and national governance. “This amendment strengthens Pakistan’s constitutional order and brings long-awaited reforms in both the judiciary and defence structures,” he said.
He added that the title of Field Marshal, referenced in the amendment, had never previously been part of the Constitution. Dar also reiterated that the seniority of the incumbent Chief Justice and other judges would remain unaffected.
Highlighting another key reform, Dar said the amendment also revises Article 243, adding clarity to the administrative structure of the armed forces. He praised the Army Chief for “his leadership in Pakistan’s recent victory against India,” calling General Asim Munir a “national hero.”
Rationale behind the Amendment
Presenting the bill, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the amendment was introduced following recommendations from bar councils and political parties to establish a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional matters.
“The growing number of constitutional petitions before the Supreme Court has delayed the hearing of regular cases. The FCC will ensure specialized adjudication, allowing the Supreme Court to focus on its appellate functions,” Tarar explained.
He added that changes to Article 243 were meant to strengthen the legal and procedural framework of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Earlier, PPP Senator Farooq H. Naek, chair of the joint parliamentary committee, presented the final report in the Senate after reviewing the bill over the weekend.
Naek noted that the committee unanimously agreed to establish the Constitutional Court, with some modifications. “We have ensured that every province has representation. Judges with at least five years of experience in a High Court will be eligible for the Constitutional Court,” he said.
He clarified that the FCC’s suo motu powers would be restricted, allowing action only upon formal petitions. Naek also said that judicial transfers would be managed by the Judicial Commission, with appeals directed to the SJC if a judge refused the transfer.
Opposition protests and boycott
The opposition benches staged a walkout, accusing the government of pushing through “unilateral constitutional changes.” PTI Senator Ali Zafar warned that the amendment “undermines the spirit of the Constitution.”
Speaking to reporters, Zafar said, “We will resist any attempt to weaken the parliamentary balance. No one — not even the President or a governor — should be above accountability.”
The Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, also rejected the amendment, calling it “unconstitutional, undemocratic, and devoid of consensus.” The group announced that its members would not participate in the vote, terming the move “against the basic structure and federal spirit of the Constitution.”
Mixed reactions from smaller parties
ANP Senator Aimal Wali Khan cautioned that constitutional changes must preserve the document’s sanctity, warning against “majoritarian overreach.”
MQM-P Senator Faisal Subzwari, while supporting reforms, stressed the need for “tangible results.” He noted that amending the Constitution should not merely change institutional titles but “deliver meaningful improvements for citizens.”
Subzwari also underscored that the amendments sought to “enhance the dignity and prestige” of the armed forces, especially amid tensions on Pakistan’s western border.
With Senate approval secured, the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill will now be presented to the National Assembly for final voting. If passed, it will bring major structural changes to Pakistan’s judiciary and armed forces, marking one of the most consequential constitutional overhauls in recent decades.
