The committee has approved amendments to Article 200, allowing the President to transfer High Court judges based on recommendations from the Judicial Commission.

Chief Justices of the concerned High Courts will participate in decisions involving transfers, and judges refusing transfer will be deemed retired with full pensions and benefits.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment also proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, which will handle constitutional disputes and enforce fundamental rights.

The court will have a Chief Justice and judges from all provinces, ensuring balanced representation.

Discussions include changes to Articles 243 and 175A, restructuring the military command, and expanding the Judicial Commission to include the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court.

The office of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished, with authority consolidated under the new Chief of Defense Forces.

The draft amendment grants the President lifetime immunity from legal action, following a proposal by PPP, while exemptions for the Prime Minister have been removed at PM Shehbaz Sharif’s request.

Opposition leaders criticized the 27 amendment, warning it undermines the 1973 Constitution and concentrates power in the hands of a few.

Also Read: PM Shahbaz orders withdrawal of PM immunity clause in 27th amendment

Protests are planned tonight under the slogan: “We do not accept such a constitution.” Opposition parties claim the amendment threatens democratic norms and creates unchecked power in the executive branch.

The joint parliamentary committee has also finalized proposals to increase provincial assembly seats, reconstitute the Supreme Judicial Council, and expand the number of advisers to the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers. Pending cases will now have a one-year resolution window instead of six months.