Parliament assails 26th constitutional amendment with majority

The National Assembly and the Senate on Sunday passed the twenty-sixth constitutional amendment with a two-third majority.

In the Senate, 65 members voted in favor, while four opposed it.

In the National Assembly, 225 members supported the bill, with 12 opposing it.

The amendment introduces reforms in the judiciary, including changes to the appointment and tenure of the Chief Justice of Pakistan, whose term is now limited to three years.

A 12-member parliamentary committee will nominate the Chief Justice from the three most senior judges and propose the name to the Prime Minister for the President’s approval.

The amendment also establishes constitutional benches in the Supreme Court and high courts, with equal provincial representation.

The senior-most judge on each bench will serve as its presiding officer.

A Judicial Commission will oversee the appointment and performance of Supreme Court judges.

Additionally, the amendment sets January 1, 2028, as the deadline for eliminating Riba (interest) from the economy.

The Senate and the National Assembly will reconvene today at 4 and 5pm, respectively.