LAHORE (Web Desk): Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, announced that the proposed 28th Constitutional Amendment will soon be tabled in Pakistan’s parliament. Speaking to journalists in Chiniot, he said the amendment will focus on strengthening local government systems, revising the National Finance Commission (NFC), and improving health sector governance. He confirmed that internal consultations on these areas are already underway.
Sanaullah emphasized that constitutional amendments are the exclusive domain of parliament and cannot be invalidated by any other institution. He stated that once consensus is reached, the government will formally move forward with the amendment.
Addressing recent developments linked to the 27th Amendment, Sanaullah dismissed judicial resignations as personal decisions rather than institutional protest. He argued that had there been broader dissent, more judges would have resigned immediately.
The 27th Amendment, now part of the Constitution, introduced major structural reforms, including the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court with equal provincial representation. It also transferred certain powers from the Supreme Court to the new body, including suo motu authority. Additionally, the amendment redefined military leadership by granting the Chief of Army Staff the concurrent title of Chief of Defence Forces and designating ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet as lifetime titles.
The passage of the amendment triggered the resignation of Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, who criticized the changes as a grave assault on the Constitution. Lahore High Court Justice Shams Mehmood Mirza also resigned days later, citing protest against the newly enacted amendment.
Sanaullah concluded by stating that discussions on judicial privileges will continue and that the Judicial Commission will make the final decision. He reiterated that judges are bound by their oath to uphold the Constitution and respect parliamentary decisions, stressing that legislative authority must not be undermined by institutional disagreements.
