Government Set to Pass 27th Constitutional Amendment by November 14

Islamabad:The government has decided to secure **parliamentary approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment by November 14**, sources revealed on Tuesday. The decision was finalized during a **House Business Advisory Committee meeting** chaired by **National Assembly Speaker**.
According to the plan, the amendment will **first be passed by the Senate**, followed by the National Assembly. To ensure smooth passage, **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** has **canceled all foreign visits** of federal ministers and members of parliament until the legislation is approved.
In the **Senate**, at least **64 votes** are required for approval. The ruling coalition currently holds **61 seats**, meaning it will need the **support of three members** from **Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F)** or the **Awami National Party (ANP)**.
In the **National Assembly**, the amendment requires **224 votes**. Sources said the government enjoys the support of **237 members**, including **125 from PML-N**, **74 from PPP**, **22 from MQM**, **5 from PML-Q**, **4 from Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party**, and **one each** from the **Muslim League-Zia**, **National Party**, and **Balochistan Awami Party**, along with **four independent members**.
During the National Assembly session, **PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar** opposed the move, calling the **27th Amendment “against the spirit of the Constitution.”**
In response, **Federal Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry** condemned efforts to make the amendment controversial. Meanwhile, **Senator Faisal Vawda**, after meeting **JUI-F Chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman**, said the government has the **required numbers** for the amendment’s approval. He added that their discussion focused on the **constitutional clauses**, not vote counts, and that **Maulana Fazlur Rehman will make his own decision** on the matter.