Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses a banquet in honor of government and coalition senators in Islamabad. Photo: Express
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered the withdrawal of a proposed clause in the 27th constitutional amendment that sought to grant immunity to the prime minister, stressing that an elected leader must remain “fully accountable”.
In a post on social media platform X, the prime minister said that upon returning from Azerbaijan, he had learned that “some senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding the immunity of the prime minister”.
“While I recognize their good faith intention, the proposal was not part of the cabinet-approved draft. I have directed that it be withdrawn forthwith,” the prime minister said.
“As a matter of principle, an elected prime minister must remain fully accountable, both to the court and to the people.”
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar later told reporters that the prime minister had previously made it clear that he was not interested in receiving immunity given the executive nature of his role. “The other positions that get immunity have no executive functions,” Tarar explained.
The statement came as parliamentary committees continued deliberations on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which includes sweeping proposals, among them the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), revisions to the process for appointing Supreme Court judges, expansion of provincial cabinet boundaries and changes to the structure of military leadership.
A contentious set of clauses also proposes lifelong constitutional protections for officers promoted to five-star ranks—field marshal, air marshal or admiral of the navy—allowing them to “retain rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life,” which can only be removed through an impeachment-like procedure under Article 47. These immunities enjoyed by the president in Article 8 cases would apply in Article 8 cases.
Article 248 of the Constitution states that “no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the President or any Governor in any court during his term of office”.
In a related development, Prime Minister Shehbaz hosted a dinner in honor of senators from the ruling coalition on Sunday evening and thanked them for their support for the passage of the 27th Amendment and their continued cooperation to ensure political and economic stability.
The prime minister received senators from all allied parties and expressed his gratitude for their “national spirit” and collective commitment to strengthening the federation and improving governance.
“We are grateful to President Asif Ali Zardari and the leadership of all allied parties for their support,” the prime minister said.
He noted that the 27th Amendment represented a concerted national effort “to strengthen the federation, advance national interests, promote inter-provincial harmony and improve governance”. He said every milestone achieved by the government so far was the result of “mutual trust and coordination between coalition partners”.
