ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister of Law Azam Nazir Tarar presented the draft of the 26th Constitutional Amendment in the Senate on Sunday. This followed approval of the draft by the Federal Cabinet during a session led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Khan had earlier stated that the party would not support the 26th Constitutional Amendment. However, he confirmed that PTI would express its position in both the National Assembly and the Senate. Barrister Gohar also emphasized that PTI founder Imran Khan had instructed the party to consult due to the significance of the legislation.

Gohar added, “Given the limited time for further consultations, the process followed for the bill, and the harassment faced by our parliamentarians, PTI cannot vote in favor of this bill.”

The draft amendment suggests changes to several articles of the Constitution, with the federal government aiming to introduce judicial reforms. It proposes amendments to Article 28, Section 4 of Article 48, Article 111, and Article 175, focusing on the process for appointing judges.

Under the proposed changes, a committee would be formed to appoint Supreme Court judges. The committee would consist of two members from the National Assembly (MNAs) and two Senators, with equal representation from both the Treasury and the Opposition. The prime minister would nominate one Senator and one MNA, while the Opposition Leaders would select the opposition representatives.