ISLAMABAD — The controversial constitutional package is talk of the town as the latest proposed amendments to the constitution are set to be introduced in Parliament today.
Reports shared by a news channel said it encompass over 20 provisions, with aim to address several key areas including the structure of Parliament, judicial processes, and representation in the country’s southwestern region Balochistan.
Constituional Amendments Overview
Parliamentary Adjustments
- Changes to Article 51 will affect the structure and functioning of Parliament.
- Article 63, which deals with disqualifications for membership, will see new provisions related to the voting rights of dissenting members.
Judicial Reforms
- Amendments to Article 175 will alter the establishment and jurisdiction of courts.
- Article 187, which pertains to the issuance and execution of Supreme Court orders, will also be revised.
- Appeals from the constitutional court will be handled within the same court, and revisions to Article 181 regarding acting judges are proposed. Hearings related to Articles 184, 185, and 186 will be conducted within the constitutional court.
Balochistan Assembly Expansion
The proposal includes increasing the number of seats in the Balochistan Assembly from 65 to 81, aiming to better represent the province’s population.
Judicial Appointments
The government alliance is tabling a new system for appointing a Chief Justice which will involve selecting from a panel of five senior Supreme Court judges nominated by the government. The remaining four judges of the constitutional court will also be appointed by the government.
A judicial commission and a parliamentary committee will oversee the appointments of judges to the Supreme Court and high courts.
These amendments mark a significant shift in the governance structure and judicial system, reflecting ongoing efforts to address representation and judicial efficiency.
As the lower and upper house of parliament prepare to discuss these changes, they are expected to spark debate and scrutiny across political and legal sphere, with PTI also considering approaching Supreme Court.
