Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar Presents 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in National Assembly Amid Opposition Protests

ISLAMABAD:During the National Assembly session presided over by **Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq**, **Law Minister Senator Azam Nazir Tarar** presented the **27th Constitutional Amendment Bill** for approval. The presentation was met with **intense protest and uproar from opposition members**.
Speaking in the Assembly, Minister Tarar highlighted that the bill had already been **passed in the Senate with a two-thirds majority**. He noted that the **opposition should have participated in the joint parliamentary committee**, emphasizing that **constitutional matters are generally overseen by constitutional courts worldwide**, with **judicial appointments handled through judicial commissions**.
He referred to the **Charter of Democracy**, stating that it also included **fundamental principles of the constitutional system**. Tarar criticized the past misuse of **suo motu powers**, saying it had disrupted the country’s economic system. *“From removing elected prime ministers to cases against actors or customs seizures, suo motu was exercised excessively. The bill now eliminates that power and establishes a proper procedure,”* he said.
The Law Minister explained that previously, under **Article 200**, the **President could transfer judges between High Courts** based on the **Chief Justice and Prime Minister’s recommendation**. Under the new amendment, a **Judicial Commission**, comprising **five Supreme Court and Constitutional Court judges** and **two members each from the government and opposition**, will decide on judicial transfers. *“If a judge refuses transfer, they will be considered retired. The commission will determine the duration of postings,”* he added.
Minister Tarar also stated that **provincial matters and constitutional cases** will be heard by the **Constitutional Court**, while the **Supreme Court will handle over 62,000 cases**, including civil matters. He noted that if the amendment passes, the **current Chief Justice will head the Constitutional Commission and associated institutions**.
It is worth mentioning that **the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was approved in the Senate yesterday with a two-thirds majority**, receiving **64 votes in favor and none against**.