ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly on Thursday approved crucial bills to amend the Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts, as well as the rules for the Federal Constitutional Court, aligning them with the 27th Constitutional Amendment, shortly after they were approved by the cabinet.
A total of five bills were cleared by the House, including the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025, which aims to safeguard children, women, and transgender persons from domestic violence.
The bills include the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Amendment Bill, 2025 – all of which were approved without being referred to the relevant standing committees for further deliberation.
Law minister tables 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in National Assembly
All these bills were designed to align with the newly passed 27th Constitutional Amendment. Opposition members, particularly from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), remained absent during the proceedings, while lawmakers from Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) (JUI-F) staged strong protests against the bills.
JUI-F members also sought additional time from the Speaker to present amendments to the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, but their request was denied.
The amendments to the military acts are part of the government’s broader strategy to align key laws with the newly enacted Constitutional Amendment Act, 2025, which establishes a Federal Constitutional Court under Article 175B of the Constitution. The changes aim to ensure the consistency of these laws with the new constitutional framework.
In a statement outlining the objectives of the amendments, the government stressed that the bills are designed to facilitate the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court and regulate its procedure. The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill addresses growing concerns of domestic violence in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), aiming to create a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of victims.
The bill outlines preventive measures, support systems, and legal recourse for victims of physical, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse for holding the perpetrators accountable.
Following the passage of the bills, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that he would consult with coalition partners on matters related to local government reforms. While an amendment to the local government system could not be included in the 27th Amendment, he assured the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) that the issue would be resolved through mutual consultations with the ruling coalition.
Law and Justice Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar emphasised that the legislation had been carried out in consultation with allied parties and reiterated that the primary goal of the 27th Amendment was to strengthen the Constitution.
Meanwhile, the House passed a resolution praising the Sri Lankan Cricket Board’s decision to continue its tour of Pakistan despite security threats, commending the personal involvement of the Sri Lankan President and government, as well as the efforts of Interior Minister and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to ensure the tour’s success.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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