Pakistan's 26th Amendment: A Tense Tug-of-War in Parliament

Pakistan's Senate has approved the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, limiting the Chief Justice's tenure to three years. Needing 224 votes, the government aims to pass the bill in the National Assembly and eventually requires the president's approval for it to become part of the constitution. The amendment has sparked debates and controversies.

In a significant parliamentary move, Pakistan's Senate has approved the contentious 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which restricts the Chief Justice's tenure to three years. With an overwhelming majority, the amendment passed in the upper house by a 65-4 vote.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the bill, emphasizing its potential to expedite justice in the apex court. The bill now heads to the National Assembly, requiring a two-thirds majority which equals 224 supportive votes to advance. After Senate approval, the final step is presidential consent for the bill to be enshrined in the constitution.

The amendment has stirred political tensions, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party alleging coercion and boycotting the voting process. Despite this, the government remains optimistic about securing the necessary support to enact the amendment, which excludes extending judges' retirement age from 65 to 68. The bill's approval could prevent Justice Masoor Ali Shah from succeeding the current Chief Justice, Qazi Faez Isa, upon his impending retirement.

(With inputs from agencies.)