Islamabad: The Senate has passed ‘The Constitution (Twenty-seventh Amendment) Bill, 2025’, which envisages the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court. It was moved by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Sixty-four members voted in favour of the bill, meeting the requirement of two-thirds of the total membership of the House.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Law Minister stated that the establishment of a federal constitutional court had been long awaited, as it was one of the fundamental points in the charter of democracy. The Federal Constitutional Court will be tasked with hearing cases related to constitutional matters and the interpretation of the constitution. The permanent seat of this court shall be located in Islamabad.

The amendment outlines that the president may transfer a judge of a high court from one high court to another based on recommendations and terms set by the Judicial Commission of Pakistan. This commission will include the chief justices of both high courts involved.

Additionally, the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, will appoint the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently as the Chief of the Defense Forces. The appointment of the chief of air staff and chief of naval staff will also be advised by the Prime Minister. The office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is set to be abolished on November 27, 2025. The Prime Minister will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from the Pakistan Army and determine his salaries and allowances, upon recommendation from the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently the Chief of the Defense Forces.

The amendment also specifies that members of the Armed Forces promoted to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will retain their rank and privileges for life. Their responsibilities and duties will be defined by the Federal Government in the state’s interest after completing their command term.

The constitutional amendment further stipulates that no criminal proceedings shall be initiated or continued against the president for his lifetime and for a governor during their term in office. However, these provisions will not apply if the president holds a public office post-presidency.