Government to move 28th Amendment soon: Rana Sanaullah

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the government will soon introduce the 28th constitutional amendment and expressed confidence that the new amendment “will secure” parliamentary approval.

Speaking to reporters in Chiniot, Sanaullah said the proposed amendment would focus on local bodies, the National Finance Commission (NFC) and health issues. He added that consultations on these issues were underway. “If consensus is reached, the government can go ahead to formally present the 28th Amendment in Parliament,” he said.

Sanaullah also commented on the recent resignations of two Supreme Court judges and a Lahore High Court judge, saying that Parliament had the constitutional right to pass the amendments and judges were bound by their oath to uphold them. “It does not suit any judge to involve himself in political protests,” he said. “Those who resigned did so because of their personal motives.”

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law, following its approval by both houses of parliament. With the assent of the President, the Bill has now formally become part of the Constitution of Pakistan. Following the approval of the amendment, the senior most judges of the Supreme Court, Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, tendered their resignations.

In his 13-page resignation letter, Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stated that the 27th constitutional amendment is a serious attack on the constitution of Pakistan. He further noted that the amendment has fragmented the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

In his resignation letter, Justice Athar Minallah stated, “It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve the people of Pakistan as part of its judiciary and I have endeavored to the best of my ability to discharge my duties in accordance with my oath. Today, it is that same oath that compels me to tender my formal resignation.”