ISLAMABAD: The federal government secured a two-third majority to pass the 26th constitutional amendment in the National Assembly early Monday. This came shortly after the amendment sailed through the Senate.
In the Senate, 65 members voted in favor, while four opposed. In the National Assembly, 225 members supported the amendment, and 12 opposed it.
The 26th amendment introduces key reforms regarding the appointment and tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan. It also establishes constitutional benches at the Supreme Court with equal representation from all provinces. Similar benches will be set up at high courts across the country.
The most senior judge of each constitutional bench will serve as its presiding officer.
The amendment limits the Chief Justice’s term to three years. A 12-member parliamentary committee will nominate the new Chief Justice from a panel of the three most senior judges. This committee will include eight members from the National Assembly and four from the Senate. Once the committee selects a nominee, the Prime Minister will forward the name to the President for approval.
In addition, the amendment redefines the role of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, which will be responsible for appointing Supreme Court judges. The commission will be led by the Chief Justice and include three senior judges, two members each from the National Assembly and Senate, the Federal Law Minister, the Attorney General, and a nominee of the Pakistan Bar Council with at least 15 years of Supreme Court practice.
This commission will also monitor the performance of judges and report concerns to the Supreme Judicial Council.
The amendment further modifies the composition of the Supreme Judicial Council. It will now consist of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, the two most senior judges of the Supreme Court, and the two most senior Chief Justices of the High Courts, ensuring a diverse and balanced judicial system.
One of the major components of the amendment is the eradication of Riba (interest) from Pakistan’s economy by January 1, 2028.
Both houses of Parliament will reconvene tomorrow, with the Senate meeting at 4 p.m. and the National Assembly at 5 p.m.
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