Senate witnesses heated debate over 27th constitutional amendment

The Senate session on Sunday witnessed a heated exchange of views among the lawmakers as they debated the 27th  proposed constitutional amendment, with senators sharply divided over its implications for judicial independence and national security.

Speaking on the floor, Senator Noorul Haq Qadri strongly opposed the amendment, terming it an attack on the independence of the judiciary. “Through this amendment, you are trying to imprison an independent judiciary,” he said.

Referring to Allama Iqbal’s vision, Qadri questioned, “What are we doing to the Pakistan of Iqbal’s dream?”

He added in a symbolic tone, “When the one with 804 prayer beads arrives, all these amendments will be wiped away; it’s only a matter of time.”

In contrast, Senator Talha Mahmood defended the proposed changes, calling them “a need of the hour.”

He said enemies surrounded Pakistan and that strengthening national security and the armed forces was vital.

“There should be a separate court to deal with constitutional matters,” he said, adding that thousands of cases are pending, and such a court could help resolve disputes between the federation and provinces.

PTI Senator Saifullah Abro also took the floor, sarcastically saying that such legislation was not new and that the government should move forward confidently.

Declaring his loyalty, he added, “I take an oath that my leader is honest — now you also take an oath that your leader is honest.”

In a sharp jibe, he said, “Zia-ul-Haq is the political father of those who entered politics in 1985 — Imran Khan’s father was not Zia-ul-Haq.”

Meanwhile, PML-N Senator Afnan Ullah Khan criticized the opposition, saying they failed to specify what was wrong with the amendments. “Where was your talk of civil supremacy when your leader said he got people from agencies?” he asked.

He accused the opposition of having colluded with the judiciary, which, he claimed, had necessitated this amendment.

“You remember the February 8 elections but not the events of July 15,” he said.

“You only like the judiciary that brings you to power.”

Afnan Ullah added that spreading chaos in the country would not bring the opposition back to power, saying, “The pit you dug for us, you have fallen into yourselves.”