ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The federal government is all set to present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate on November 7, to push for extensive constitutional reforms.
According to the sources, the proposed amendment would be debated in both houses of Parliament on November 07 and 08 (Friday and Saturday).
The bill is expected to be referred to the relevant standing committee once it is presented, with the date of approval slated for November 10, sources stated.
Sources said that the current session of the Senate would extend till the weekend and is expected to end on November 14.
While commenting on the 27th Amendment, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, informed the Senate that the government itself wants to present it, and no external influence has been involved.
He said the amendment would be in line with the Constitution, in consultation with all coalition partners.
“We have already reached an understanding with the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) over one major point, while consultations are continuing with the other allies,” he said.
Dar said the amendment should first be presented in the Senate, and added that the suggestion had already been conveyed to the law minister.
He said a parliamentary committee would also be constituted to review the reforms and ensure that all stakeholders’ inputs were sought before the final draft was approved.
“The final form will be presented transparently before Parliament by the government,” he said, promising that the amendment is aimed at strengthening democratic continuity in the same mold as previous milestones like the abolition of Article 58(2)(b).
Dar rejected speculation of external influence, saying: “This is a government-led initiative — not a parachute amendment. We are committed to strengthening the parliamentary system.
Commenting on the appointment of the leader of the opposition, Dar said the matter rested with the Senate chairman. “The leader of the opposition is chosen by a majority, not through speeches,” he remarked, urging an early decision on the issue.
He also called for professionalism in parliamentary affairs, saying that tearing papers or creating disturbances on the floor did not reflect responsible conduct.
Dar emphasized that the government would not push through with the amendment process in haste, assuring that every party would be given a chance to air their view.
“We must collectively strengthen Parliament, and the government will fully follow the parliamentary process,” he said. The Deputy Prime Minister also referred to his participation in a recent meeting on Gaza and welcomed a statement from PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the issue, saying national unity was vital in the present context.
