The draft proposes a constitutional court, a lifetime field marshal post and a higher age limit for judges
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses the National Assembly in Islamabad. Photo: NAofPakistan/Twitter
The federal government has finalized an initial draft of the 27th constitutional amendment, with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif consulting coalition partners on the proposal. Following its approval at tomorrow’s federal cabinet meeting, the amendment is set to be tabled in the Senate.
Further information on the proposed draft has been obtained per Express news. According to the initial draft of the amendment, sources said a nine-member Constitutional Court will replace the existing Supreme Court Constitutional Court under the proposed changes. In addition, a proposal proposes to raise the retirement age for judges of both the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court from 68 to 70 years.
Sources further said that an amendment to Article 243 will provide constitutional protection to the post of field marshal, giving the field marshal constitutional powers. Under the proposed amendment, the title of field marshal remains for life.
In addition, the draft amendment proposes to increase the federal share in the National Finance Commission Award by 10%, with agreements expected to be made to transfer control of the education and health sectors to the federal government.
The draft also outlines that in the event of an impasse over the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner, the matter will be referred to the Supreme Judicial Commission. In addition, the role of the President and Prime Minister in judicial appointments will be reduced and more power will be given to the Judicial Commission
