Islamabad: In a significant move towards judicial and governmental reforms, the Federal Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, has approved the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment aims to bring about major structural reforms in the judiciary and governance.
The draft proposes the establishment of a separate Federal Constitutional Court, independent of the Supreme Court, with its headquarters in Islamabad. Under the new proposal, the Chief Justice’s tenure will be limited to three years, and the retirement age for judges will be set at 68 years. The Federal Constitutional Court will have the authority to hear constitutional disputes between the federation and provinces, interpret the constitution, and adjudicate matters related to fundamental rights.
The amendment also includes changes to judicial powers, with certain constitutional authorities of the Supreme Court being transferred to the new Federal Constitutional Court. Additionally, a new method for appointing judges has been outlined, and decisions by the Constitutional Court will be binding on all other courts. Both Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court will be included as members of the Supreme Judicial Council.
Significant reforms are also proposed for the military structure: the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished, and the Army Chief will assume an additional role as Chief of Defence Forces. The title of Field Marshal will also be conferred with the status of a national hero.
On the government front, the amendment introduces reforms that will grant the Prime Minister the authority to appoint up to seven advisors, and the number of advisors for Chief Ministers will also be increased.
With the Cabinet’s approval, the draft amendment will now be presented in Parliament for further discussion and approval.
