Chaos in Senate as 27th Constitutional Amendment sparks walkout and protests

Chaos in Senate as 27th Constitutional Amendment sparks walkout and protests

Members of the treasury bench rise up to vote in favour of a clause of the 27th Amendment bill. - YouTube

November, 10 2025

ISLAMABAD (Web Desk): A fiery Senate session saw protests, torn papers, and walkouts as the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was presented for voting.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the bill, but the move triggered loud slogans and chaos from opposition benches. Members of the opposition tore up copies of the bill and threw them toward the minister’s table before walking out of the chamber. Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani continued the voting process clause by clause amid the uproar.

Earlier, a joint session of the law and justice committees of both houses had approved the amendment with minor changes, despite the opposition’s boycott. Committee Chairman Farooq H. Naek explained that the proposed bill sought to establish a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with equal representation from all provinces and the Islamabad High Court.

Naek detailed that judges with at least five years of high court experience could be nominated to the FCC. The committee also agreed on seniority rules for judges joining the new court and redefined the Judicial Commission of Pakistan’s membership, allowing the Speaker to nominate a woman, non-Muslim, or technocrat.

He clarified that the FCC would have limited suo motu powers, exercised only when applications were submitted and approved. The bill also addressed case delays, proposing automatic expiration of interim stay orders after one year if unresolved.

In the ongoing session, PML-N’s Agha Shahzaib Durrani defended the constitutional court’s creation, citing case backlogs in the Supreme Court. PPP’s Zamir Hussain Ghumro added that the new court would strengthen both the judiciary and the federation, rejecting claims that the amendment was a “9/11 on Pakistan.”

However, PTI senators condemned the proposal, arguing it undermined institutions. MQM-P’s Amir Waliuddin Chishti expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises related to provincial and local government clauses, hinting they might now appear in the 28th Amendment.

Tensions grew as PML-N and PPP leaders defended a clause granting immunity to the army chief, calling it an “honorary” recognition of his leadership during the May conflict with India. PTI’s Ali Zafar, meanwhile, vowed the opposition would block the bill’s passage if the government lacked the required votes.

A government minister privately told Dawn that the ruling coalition aimed to pass the bill “no matter what,” signaling a high-stakes showdown in the Senate.