ISLAMABAD, October 21, 2024: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday hailed the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history, emphasizing that it would safeguard the country’s future and reinforce parliamentary supremacy.
Addressing the National Assembly after the legislation was passed, he described the amendment as a milestone that exemplifies national unity and solidarity.
“This is a historic day,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the amendment would usher in a new era for Pakistan, brightening the future of the country.
He stressed that the amendment is not merely a technical change but a significant step forward in ensuring justice and political stability.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment, presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, was passed by both the National Assembly and the Senate with a two-thirds majority.
Among the key provisions, the amendment sets the term of the Chief Justice of Pakistan to three years. A 12-member parliamentary committee will now select the Chief Justice from a panel of the three most senior judges.
This committee will comprise eight members from the National Assembly and four from the Senate, who will propose the name to the Prime Minister for approval before it is sent to the President for final endorsement.
Additionally, the amendment establishes a new Judicial Commission of Pakistan, headed by the Chief Justice and including three senior judges, two members from each house of Parliament, the federal law minister, the attorney general, and a legal expert with at least 15 years of experience in the Supreme Court. This commission will oversee judicial appointments, ensuring a more transparent and accountable process.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the constitutional amendment would help put an end to political conspiracies aimed at toppling democratically elected governments.
He also pointed to its potential to prevent costly legal cases, such as the Reko Diq and Karkey disputes, which have cost the country billions of dollars.
Furthermore, the amendment aims to alleviate the long delays in the judicial system, offering hope to millions of citizens who have been waiting years for justice from the Supreme Court.
The Prime Minister described the amendment as the fulfillment of the Charter of Democracy, a 2006 agreement signed by former Prime Ministers Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif, with the support of political leaders including Maulana Fazlur Rehman.
He also responded to criticism from opposition members, stating that the legislation was passed with the support of coalition partners and independent candidates, not turncoats.
In his speech, the Prime Minister acknowledged the contributions of key political figures, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, and other leaders who played a vital role in supporting the amendment.
While wishing that the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) had participated in the legislative process, the Prime Minister reiterated that the passing of the amendment sent a strong message: political parties and leaders put national interest above personal gains. He concluded by signing the advice to be sent to the President of Pakistan for the formal endorsement of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.