Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel, has stated that discussions surrounding the 27th Constitutional Amendment are not being carried out in haste, and that the Constitution should not be viewed as an unchangeable or sacred text that cannot be amended when necessary. Speaking on Geo News’ program “Geo Pakistan,” the Minister clarified that the proposed amendment is being approached carefully and with consideration for national interest, while also reaffirming the flexibility and evolving nature of constitutional law.
According to Barrister Aqeel, it is inaccurate to assume that constitutional amendments are being introduced to benefit particular individuals or to serve political motives. He addressed speculation that the earlier 26th Amendment had been rushed due to the impending retirement of certain officials. The Minister stated that such assumptions are not only misleading but also distort the actual legislative process. He emphasized that constitutional amendments undergo discussions and consensus-building among political stakeholders, legal experts, and parliamentary committees.
The Minister highlighted that the 27th Amendment concerns key national matters that have been under periodic review and discussion for a considerable period of time, rather than being a sudden or reactionary move. He explained that the work on this amendment has been ongoing in phases, with consultations taking place “on and off,” involving various policymakers and legal authorities. This gradual process, he noted, reflects the ongoing evolution of governance needs and democratic reforms.
He further elaborated that the Constitution, while being the supreme law of the land, was never intended to be static or immune to amendments. The framers of the Constitution themselves incorporated mechanisms to update and refine it with the passage of time. The Minister pointed out that even mature democracies amend their constitutions when new circumstances arise or when reforms are needed to improve governance, representation, or institutional balance. Therefore, the notion that any amendment is inherently harmful or politically motivated should be rejected unless supported by clear evidence.
According to Barrister Aqeel, constitutional amendments are part of a natural democratic process. As societies progress and national needs evolve, constitutional frameworks must also adapt to ensure responsive and effective governance. He said that this is why amendments require parliamentary debate, committee reviews, and multi-party consensus—to ensure that legal changes reflect broader national interests rather than narrow political objectives.
The Minister also dismissed concerns that the government was ignoring consultations with political parties. He stated that all relevant stakeholders will be part of the discussion process and that decisions will not be imposed unilaterally. He reiterated that the government seeks to advance constitutional reforms in a transparent, democratic manner, ensuring that every political party has the opportunity to voice its concerns, proposals, or objections.
