Government to pass 28th Amendment soon: Rana Sanaullah

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political and Public Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that the government will soon introduce the 28th Constitutional Amendment and expressed confidence that the new amendment bill will “get” parliamentary approval.

Speaking to reporters in Chiniot, Sanaullah said the proposed amendment would focus on local bodies, the National Finance Commission (NFC) and health issues. He added that consultations were being held on these issues. “If a consensus is reached, the government can move forward with formally introducing the 28th Amendment in parliament,” he said.

Sanaullah also commented on the recent resignations of two Supreme Court judges and a Lahore High Court judge, saying that Parliament had the constitutional right to approve the amendments and that the judges were bound by their oath to uphold them. “It is not the place of any judge to get involved in political protests,” he said. “Those who resigned did so for personal reasons.”

Last week, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill into law, following its approval by both houses of parliament. With the consent of the President, the Bill now forms a formal part of the Constitution of Pakistan. Following the approval of the amendment, the Supreme Court’s senior judges, Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, submitted their resignations.

In his 13-page resignation letter, Supreme Court Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stated that the 27th Constitutional Amendment is a serious attack on the Constitution of Pakistan. He further commented that the amendment has fragmented the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

Justice Athar Minallah, in his resignation letter, stated: “It has been my greatest honor and privilege to serve the people of Pakistan as part of their judiciary and to the best of my ability, I have endeavored to discharge my duties in accordance with my oath. Today, it is the same oath that compels me to submit my formal resignation.”