Key aspects of Pakistan’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment have surfaced, outlining the government’s intention to create a Constitutional Court dedicated solely to constitutional matters, according to ARY News.
Formation of the Constitutional Court
As per official sources, the new court will initially consist of seven judges, each serving until the age of 68, which is three years higher than the current retirement age for Supreme Court judges. Of these, five judges will be drawn from the Supreme Court, while High Court judges are also being considered for inclusion.
Justice Aminuddin Khan Likely to Lead
Sources suggest that Justice Aminuddin Khan is expected to head the newly formed Constitutional Court. The initiative aims to expedite constitutional case resolutions and reduce the caseload of the Supreme Court.
Court’s Location Under Review
Authorities are currently debating the court’s location, with two primary options under discussion:
- Establishing it within the Islamabad High Court building, with the High Court being relocated to its previous site in Sector G-9, or
- Housing it in the Federal Shariat Court building, which would involve relocating the Federal Service Tribunal to the first floor of that facility.
Creation of a New Defence Position
The amendment also introduces a proposal to establish a Commander of Defence Forces, through an amendment to Article 243 of the Constitution. The newly created post would define the tenure, duties, and authority of the position, aimed at improving coordination and unified command across Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Background and Ongoing Consultations
The concept of a Constitutional Court was originally discussed in the 2006 Charter of Democracy between the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).
Talks between coalition partners regarding the details of the 27th Constitutional Amendment are currently ongoing.
