27th Amendment Passage a Milestone in Strengthening Democracy: PM Shehbaz

ISLAMABAD – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday congratulated the nation and members of the National Assembly on the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority, calling it a historic step toward strengthening democracy and national unity.

Speaking on the floor of the National Assembly, Shehbaz expressed gratitude to all political parties for demonstrating consensus on the amendment, saying the dream of establishing constitutional courts had been realized after 19 years.

He thanked President Asif Ali Zardari, PML-N leader Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, MQM-P Convener Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Abdul Aleem Khan, Khalid Magsi, Aimal Wali Khan, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, the law minister, and members of the House for their support in the passage of the bill.

The prime minister said the establishment of the Constitutional Court represented “the peak of democracy,” reaffirming that the Chief Justice of Pakistan would continue to head the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, Supreme Judicial Council, and Law and Justice Commission. He pledged to continue seeking guidance from the judiciary in upholding the Constitution and rule of law.

Paying tribute to late Senator Irfan Siddiqui, Shehbaz said his services to the party and national discourse would always be remembered, describing him as “one of the most loyal companions of Mian Nawaz Sharif.”

Condemning the recent terrorist attacks in Wana and Islamabad, the prime minister likened the assault on Cadet College Wana to the tragic Army Public School incident, lauding the armed forces for rescuing all students and eliminating the terrorists. He also denounced the Islamabad Judicial Complex blast that claimed 12 lives, including lawyers.

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Shehbaz said evidence pointed to the involvement of elements from India and Afghanistan in recent terror incidents. “We have presented undeniable proof of Indian involvement in the Jaffar Express attack, and no one has challenged those facts,” he stated, warning that Khawarij terrorists would receive a befitting response.

The prime minister said Pakistan had engaged in peace talks with the Afghan interim government in Doha and Istanbul with the condition that Kabul act against the BLA and other groups using Afghan soil for terrorism. “We desire peace and expect Afghanistan to act sincerely,” he emphasized.

Highlighting diplomatic and defence successes, Shehbaz said Pakistan’s victory in the “Marka-e-Haq” war against India and the bold decisions of his government had enhanced the country’s global image. He hailed the conferring of the Field Marshal title on Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir, noting that the post was being formally included in the Constitution alongside other service chiefs.

Reaffirming his commitment to national cohesion, the prime minister said he would consult political parties, including the PPP, on matters related to the 18th Amendment and NFC Award.

“We must move forward together for Pakistan’s progress and prosperity,” Shehbaz concluded.