Bilawal Bhutto solicits public input on constitutional changes.

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Proposes Constitutional Amendments

Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari shared a draft of proposed constitutional amendments, seeking ‘meaningful’ feedback from the public. The draft aims to complete the Charter of Democracy’s unfinished judicial reforms agenda by proposing the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court with equal representation from all federating units.

The proposal also suggests ending the process of judges appointing judges and calls for merging judicial and parliamentary committees for a more balanced approach. The PPP has been engaging with political parties, Bar associations, and civil society to build a broader consensus for the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

Meanwhile, the federal government revealed its proposed constitutional amendments, including the formation of a Constitutional Court with seven members and a Chief Justice appointed by a retired senior judge. The amendments also establish eligibility criteria for judges and a Federal Constitutional Council for judge removal.

The Federal Constitutional Court’s decisions will be binding, while appeals against provincial courts can be made to the Federal Court. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court will be selected through an eight-member parliamentary committee.

Source: Govt’s proposed constitutional amendments surface