The government has achieved a major milestone with the enactment of the 26th Constitutional Amendment. This significant legislation, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, changes the way the Chief Justice of the country is appointed. The responsibility now lies with a parliamentary committee instead of following the traditional judicial appointment process. This reform, praised as a move towards enhanced accountability and transparency, represents a crucial moment in Pakistan’s political and judicial landscape.

The path to this amendment was not without its challenges. The National Assembly session, initially set for Sunday evening, experienced delays and eventually began at 11:30 PM under the guidance of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq. After vigorous debates, the assembly reconvened past midnight, continuing its discussions into the early hours of Monday. The bill was approved with a two-thirds majority, with 225 members voting in favor and 12 against.

Proponents of the bill, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, celebrated the decision as a triumph for justice and democracy. He highlighted that this amendment symbolizes national unity, demonstrating that progress can be made for the common good despite political differences. The amendment aims to tackle long-standing issues within the judicial system, addressing the concerns of many citizens who have been waiting for timely justice.

In the Senate, the bill also received prompt approval, with Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani overseeing the proceedings. Similar to the National Assembly, the Senate session showed strong backing, with a two-thirds majority passing the bill. Notably, several independent members supported the amendment, further reinforcing the bipartisan support it garnered.

What does this mean for Pakistan? Going forward, the Chief Justice of Pakistan will be appointed by a parliamentary committee. This new system is viewed as a means to enhance transparency and promote a more democratic process within the judiciary, which has faced criticism for its lack of accountability.

Read More: https://behindthecurtain.blog/chief-justice-angered-by-second-clarification-in-reserved-seats-case/

Sources:https://www.dawnnews.tv/