PM Shehbaz orders scrapping proposed immunity for prime minister from amendment
- The proposal was not part of the cabinet-approved draft, says Shehbaz Sharif
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday instructed that the proposed constitutional amendment put forward by few senators of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), regarding immunity for the prime minister, should be withdrawn immediately.
In a post on his X handle, the prime minister said that as a matter of principle, an elected prime minister must remain fully accountable, both before the court of law and the people.
PM Shehbaz said on his return from Azerbaijan, he had learnt that some senators belonging to the PML-N had submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the prime minister.
Finally, 27th amendment bill tabled in Senate
“While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the cabinet-approved draft. I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately,” he added.
The treasury side on Saturday moved the proposed bill regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the Upper House of the Parliament, which grants constitutional protection to the top slots of the armed forces, besides creating a federal constitutional court, allowing the transfer of high court judges, and amending/ substituting other crucial constitutional provisions.
However, the draft constitutional amendment received an outright rejection from the opposition side shortly after being moved in the House. Law Minister Azam Tarar presented the related bill in the Senate session, presided over by Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani.
The legislative draft comprises 49 clauses dealing with five subject areas containing three main subject areas and two ancillaries, Tarar said on the floor of the House.