In a landmark moment for the ruling coalition, the Senate of Pakistan passed the much-anticipated 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024, despite strong opposition from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and weeks of political uncertainty. The upper house approved all 22 clauses of the bill, marking a significant victory for the government’s reform agenda.
Background and Controversies
The bill, which focuses on judicial reforms, has been a point of contention between the ruling coalition and opposition, particularly PTI. The opposition party has vehemently opposed the legislation, arguing that the reforms would undermine judicial independence. Despite multiple delays and heated debates, the Senate managed to move forward with the vote.
Senate Voting and Approval
The voting took place on Sunday, with Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani overseeing the proceedings. He read out the contents of the amendment before asking lawmakers to cast their votes. A total of 65 members voted in favor of the bill, while only five opposed it, giving the bill a two-thirds majority approval.
Chairman Gilani announced the results, stating, “65 members have voted in favour of the bill, while five members have voted against it,” solidifying the passage of the legislation.
Key Provisions of the 26th Amendment Bill
The 26th Amendment, often referred to as the “Constitutional Package,” introduces several key reforms. One of the most significant changes is the establishment of a fixed term for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, a proposal that has drawn both support and criticism.
Additionally, the bill addresses various judicial reforms aimed at streamlining the legal system, with a special parliamentary committee, formed last month, reviewing these proposals. The committee, which included members from all major parties, including PTI, played a pivotal role in shaping the bill.
Government’s Efforts and Coalition Support
The bill was tabled by Federal Minister for Law, Azam Nazeer Tarar, who emphasized the government’s efforts to build consensus among its coalition partners and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). Addressing the Senate, Tarar highlighted the collective effort behind the bill’s passage, stating that the government’s allied parties reached an agreement on the constitutional reforms.
Earlier in the day, the federal cabinet also approved the bill, cementing the government’s commitment to pushing through the judicial reforms despite opposition resistance.
The passing of the 26th Amendment Bill marks a major political win for the ruling coalition, showcasing its ability to navigate through political challenges and opposition. However, the controversy surrounding the judicial reforms is far from over, with PTI likely to continue its opposition. The bill now moves to the National Assembly for further approval, where it will undergo additional scrutiny before becoming law.
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