Islamabad, November 11,2025: The National Assembly on Tuesday opened debate on the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill — a day after its passage in the Senate — with PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan accusing the government of seeking to “create another elite class” through proposed lifetime immunity for the president.
The bill, tabled by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, proposes sweeping changes to the Constitution, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), the transfer of judges’ powers to the Judicial Commission, and lifetime honorary military titles. However, the most contentious clause seeks to grant the president immunity from arrest and criminal proceedings for life, except during any period he or she may hold a public office.
Speaking after the law minister, PTI’s Barrister Gohar said the amendment was “a disservice to the constitutional oath,” warning that it would reduce democracy to “a name only.”
“With this amendment, democracy here will only exist in name. Real democracy requires one to uphold the law and practice accountability. When you take the oath, you vow to act with honesty for the good of the people,” Gohar said.
He termed the amendment “the Baku Bill,” referring to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairing a cabinet meeting from Baku where the proposal was approved, and alleged that the government was “trying to shield itself” before completing its tenure.
“Now, on their way out, they want to give themselves immunity and hold themselves above the law,” he charged.
Gohar further questioned the rationale behind lifetime immunity, “In what part of the world does the president have lifetime immunity? Can you not appear in front of a court and prove your innocence?”
Earlier, Law Minister Tarar defended the bill, saying it was rooted in the Charter of Democracy and aimed at strengthening constitutional mechanisms. He clarified that the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction under Article 184(3) was not being abolished but “transferred in pari materia” to the proposed Federal Constitutional Court to handle sensitive constitutional matters.
“This will help reduce the Supreme Court’s workload and give it more time to hear the cases of the common man,” he said.
Tarar also announced that the government had decided — after consultation — to bestow the title of Field Marshal on Army Chief General Asim Munir under Article 243, citing his “successes during the May conflict with India.” He added that such lifetime military titles could only be withdrawn by Parliament.
The law minister said the government’s coalition had the required two-thirds majority to pass the amendment in the 336-member house, where the opposition holds 103 seats.
During the session, NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also addressed the vacant post of opposition leader, saying the matter was sub judice and would be taken up once the Peshawar High Court delivers its verdict.
The session began with prayers for PML-N MNA Irfan Siddiqui, who passed away on Monday, and was adjourned until Wednesday morning.
The government had pushed the bill through the Senate on Monday, where it was passed with 64 votes — more than the required two-thirds majority — amid noisy opposition protests.
