Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken a significant step by instructing the withdrawal of the proposed immunity for the Prime Minister outlined in the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Emphasizing the importance of accountability, he stated that the Prime Minister should be fully answerable for their actions.
In a recent announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif revealed that he has directed the removal of a specific clause from the 27th Amendment that aimed to provide immunity to the Prime Minister. He clarified that the proposal was not part of the officially approved draft by the Cabinet and therefore should be retracted promptly.
Highlighting the core principle of accountability, Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that an elected Prime Minister should always be held accountable, both legally and to the public. The Law Minister, Azam Nazeer Tarar, shared that the Prime Minister had expressed disinterest in obtaining immunity due to the executive responsibilities inherent in the position.
Parallelly, discussions are ongoing within Senate and National Assembly committees regarding the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. The bill encompasses various reforms, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), modifications in the appointment procedures of high court judges, adjustments in the provincial cabinet size limits, and alterations to the military leadership hierarchy.
Furthermore, the bill includes provisions for granting lifelong constitutional protection to officers elevated to five-star ranks such as field marshal, marshal of the air force, or admiral of the fleet. This move signifies a significant shift towards enhancing transparency and accountability within the government system.