Panel of National Assembly Advocates Wide Consultation with All Parties on Constitution Amendment Bill
In Islamabad, the National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice has offered its backing to "The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025." The committee chairs, Chaudhry Mahmood Bashir Virk, MNA, presided over the meeting.
The focus of the session was Article 140-A, a proposal moved by Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan, MNA, which aims to materialize the spirit of the 18th Amendment and establish a functional local government system. The goal being to achieve a more decentralized governance structure and boost public services.
The committee took notice that, although formal requests for opinions on the proposal from parliamentary leaders have yet to receive responses. In reaction, the committee decided to request a second reminder to be sent through the Ministry of Law and Justice, emphasizing the importance of their input for continued progress.
During the meeting, the panel voiced its disapproval of the recent terrorist attacks in Balochistan, particularly the school bus tragedy, expressing profound grief for the loss of innocent lives and extending their condolences to the bereaved families.
The attention of the committee was drawn to other bills, as well, such as "The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 175-A and 215)" (moved by Asad Qaiser) and "The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 51 and 106)" (moved by Naveed Aamir, MNA), among others. However, due to the absence of the movers at repeated meetings, the committee collectively recommended not passing these bills by the assembly.
Furthermore, the panel considered "The Code of Civil Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024" (Section 54-A) (moved by Sofia Saeed Shah, MNA). The absence of the bill's mover caused the meeting to defer the matter. Additionally, the Ministry of Law and Justice had promised to share a draft of amendments to the Land Revenue Act, but due to insufficient notice, the draft was not provided; however, the Ministry assured it would be shared before the next meeting.
Numerous MNAs, along with the Minister of State for Law and Justice, the secretary of the Ministry of Law and Justice, and relevant staff, were present at the meeting.
The committee's endorsed bill seeks to address the lingering issue of incomplete devolution of power at the grassroots level, as envisioned by the 18th Amendment. Its success hinges upon strong political will and consensus among various political parties in support of the constitutional changes. Furthermore, engaging in consultative discussions with political leaders across parties is deemed crucial for ensuring that the amendment resonates with diverse populations and boasts the legitimacy and stability required to effectively bring about the intended changes.
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Law and Justice, while discussing "The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025", also noted the pending opinions from parliamentary leaders on the indexed "The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 175-A and 215)" and "The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Article 51 and 106)". The committee acknowledged that the progress of these bills depends on the policy-and-legislation surrounding political consensus and general-news discussions among various political parties.
