Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has praised the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a powerful display of national unity and consensus. Speaking in the National Assembly on Monday, after the historic amendment was approved, the Prime Minister expressed optimism that the new legislation would lead to faster and more accessible justice for ordinary citizens.
He described the amendment as a “significant milestone” and a key step toward fulfilling the goals outlined in the Charter of Democracy, an agreement between political parties to push forward democratic reforms.
“The passage of the 26th Amendment shows that political parties are prioritizing national interests over personal differences and egos,” PM Shehbaz said, acknowledging the support of coalition partners and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) for the bill.
Following its approval by both the Senate and National Assembly with the required two-thirds majority, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent the amendment to President Asif Ali Zardari for formal assent.
Key provisions of the 26th Amendment include the establishment of constitutional benches in the Supreme Court and high courts, with the most senior judge presiding over each bench. It also sets a three-year term for the Chief Justice and establishes a parliamentary committee to nominate the next Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) from a panel of the three senior-most judges.
The amendment also sets a deadline for the complete elimination of riba (interest) from the country’s financial system by January 1, 2028, in line with Islamic financial principles.
PM Shehbaz expressed confidence that this legislative achievement would help secure and strengthen Pakistan’s future, particularly in terms of judicial reforms.
