Islamabad: Government and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) reached a breakthrough on the long-debated 27th Constitutional Amendment after extensive negotiations, paving the way for the draft’s finalization and submission for printing. Consultations are underway as when to present the Bill to Senate.
Talks End in Agreement
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar announced that the draft had been finalized following successful consultations between the two sides. “All necessary changes have been made, and the document has been sent for printing,” he told reporters in Islamabad.
Deadlock Over Judicial Appointment Resolved
Earlier, the amendment had stalled over two contentious points related to the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court. The PPP opposed the government’s proposal for the appointment process, while the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) had suggested the selection be made from a three-member panel.
According to sources, the PPP expressed reservations about the potential supersession of senior judges, warning that such a mechanism could bypass the principle of seniority. Both parties have now agreed to develop a clearer procedure to address the issue.
High-Level Delegations Hold Final Talks
The final round of negotiations took place at the Law Minister’s chamber and lasted over two hours. The PML-N delegation included Ishaq Dar, Azam Nazeer Tarar and Anusha Rahman, while the PPP was represented by Sherry Rehman, Farooq H. Naek, Naveed Qamar and Murtaza Wahab.
Next Step: Presentation in Parliament
Following the consensus, the agreed-upon draft will now be presented in the Senate for approval. Party insiders believe the rare agreement between the coalition partners signals a renewed commitment to institutional reforms and cooperative governance.
Broader Political Implications
The passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment is expected to influence future judicial appointments and constitutional procedures. Observers note that resolving the dispute between the two major parties could strengthen the coalition’s position in upcoming legislative sessions.
