ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate on Sunday passed the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024, aimed at implementing judicial reforms, with a two-thirds majority. The bill, considered a crucial victory for the ruling coalition, was presented in the upper house of the Parliament just hours after receiving approval from the federal cabinet.
The constitutional amendment bill was introduced by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar. Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani opened the session by reading the bill’s contents, before lawmakers cast their votes, with 65 members voting in favor and five against the proposed amendments.
One of the most debated aspects of the bill is the potential extension of the Chief Justice’s tenure. Addressing this speculation, the Law Minister clarified that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa had no interest in extending his term and had conveyed this in multiple meetings. “The Chief Justice has reiterated that any amendments would take effect only after his retirement,” Tarar said.
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The bill contains 22 clauses, all of which were approved during the session. One of the key features includes the establishment of constitutional benches within the Supreme Court, which will be tasked with handling high-profile and constitutional cases. These benches will be formed by a judicial commission, which will also evaluate the performance of judges.
The reforms also propose a limitation of the Chief Justice’s term to three years, with the top judge selected from the three senior-most judges of the Supreme Court. Furthermore, the bill allows for the creation of constitutional benches in provinces.
Another major provision of the amendment is the enhancement of the legislature’s role in judicial appointments. A 12-member parliamentary committee, with a two-thirds majority, will have the authority to appoint the Chief Justice of Pakistan to ensure parliamentary oversight in the judiciary.
In his address to the Senate, Tarar criticized the past misuse of suo moto powers by former chief justices and the dismissal of elected prime ministers by the courts. “Our courts sent elected prime ministers home,” Tarar remarked.
The minister further emphasized that the bill’s primary aim is to deliver swift and affordable justice to the common man, urging the Upper House to support the amendments.
Now, the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill will be presented in the National Assembly, where the government hopes to secure its final approval.
Pakistan’s Senate Passes 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill
