Islamabad: After several delays, Senate commenced voting on 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, also known as Constitutional Package and eventually passed it.

Legislation proposes series of amendments, including an extension of Chief Justice’s term.

Bill, which had been previously approved by Cabinet with consensus of coalition partners, was presented in Senate by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. During opening of session, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani read out contents of amendment bill before lawmakers cast their votes.

Amid speculation regarding extension of Chief Justice’s tenure, Tarar clarified that Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa had expressed no interest in extending his term.

Before Senate session, Tarar addressed press conference at Parliament House, accompanied by Information Minister Attaullah Tarar. He elaborated on bill’s contents, noting that constitutional bench would be formed by judicial commission led by Chief Justice of Pakistan.

“We are aiming to achieve broader consensus with this commission,” he added. He stated that attorney general would also be part of commission.

He announced introduction of performance evaluation system for provincial judiciary. He addressed public complaints about protracted legal proceedings, noting that cases could remain pending for up to ten years.

“We need to appreciate judges who perform well, but in past, we have received complaints that after confirmation, their work is inadequate,” he said.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 21 2024

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