Rana Sanaullah Announces Progress on 28th Constitutional Amendment
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, announced on November 17, 2025, that the government is in the final stages of drafting the 28th Constitutional Amendment. The proposed
Prime Minister’s Advisor on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah, announced on November 17, 2025, that the government is in the final stages of drafting the 28th Constitutional Amendment. The proposed amendment aims to address crucial issues surrounding local governance, the National Finance Commission (NFC), and health matters. Sanaullah emphasized that the draft will be presented to parliament once a broader consensus is achieved.
28th Constitutional Amendment: Details of the Proposed Amendment
Speaking to reporters in Chiniot, Sanaullah indicated that discussions regarding the key topics covered by the amendment are already underway. He underscored the importance of achieving consensus to facilitate the formal introduction of the 28th Amendment in the legislative assembly. This announcement follows the recent passage of the 27th Amendment by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N)-led coalition, which implemented significant changes to the judicial structure and military leadership in the country.
One of the most notable aspects of the 27th Amendment is the concurrent appointment of the Chief of Army Staff as the Chief of Defence Forces, thereby consolidating command over the armed forces. Furthermore, it established the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) as a new judicial body that includes equal representation from all provinces and is empowered to exercise suo motu authority on petitions. The amendment also redefined the roles of the President and Prime Minister in judicial appointments while limiting certain powers of the Supreme Court by transferring some responsibilities to the newly-formed FCC.
Judicial Resignations and Political Context
During his remarks, Sanaullah addressed the recent resignations of two Supreme Court judges and one Lahore High Court (LHC) judge, asserting that the parliament holds the constitutional right to enact amendments. He remarked that judges are obliged to uphold and protect these amendments, suggesting that the recent resignations were influenced by personal motives rather than principled objections.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah resigned in response to the 27th Amendment, labeling it a "grave assault on the Constitution of Pakistan." In a similar vein, LHC judge Shams Mehmood Mirza also stepped down, protesting against the new amendment. The federal government responded by characterizing the judges' resignations as politically motivated and termed their criticisms as unconstitutional.
The unfolding political landscape signifies a crucial moment for Pakistan's constitutional framework, with the government proactively seeking to amend its foundational laws.
