Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addresses a banquet in honour of government and coalition senators in Islamabad. Photo: Express
ISLAMABAD:
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday ordered the withdrawal of a proposed clause in the 27th Constitutional Amendment that sought to grant immunity to the prime minister, stressing that an elected leader must remain “fully accountable”.
In a post on social media platform X, the premier said he had learned upon returning from Azerbaijan that “some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the prime minister”.
“While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately,” the premier said.
“As a matter of principle, an elected prime minister must remain fully accountable, both before the court of law and the people.”
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar later told reporters that the prime minister had earlier made it clear he was not interested in receiving immunity, given the executive nature of his role. “The other positions being granted immunity do not have any executive functions,” Tarar explained.
The statement came as parliamentary committees continued discussions on the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which includes sweeping proposals, among them, the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), revisions to the process for appointing high court judges, expansion of provincial cabinet limits and changes to the structure of military leadership.
A contentious set of clauses also proposes lifelong constitutional protection for officers promoted to five-star ranks — field marshal, marshal of the air force or admiral of the fleet — allowing them to “retain rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life”, removable only through an impeachment-like procedure under Article 47. Immunities similar to those enjoyed by the president under Article 248 would apply in these cases.
Article 248 of the Constitution stipulates that “no criminal proceedings whatsoever shall be instituted or continued against the president or a governor in any court during his term of office”.
In a related development, PM Shehbaz hosted a dinner in honour of senators from the ruling coalition on Sunday night, thanking them for their support in the passage of the 27th Amendment and their continued cooperation in ensuring political and economic stability.
Welcoming senators from all allied parties, the premier expressed his gratitude for their “national spirit” and collective commitment to strengthening the federation and enhancing governance.
“We are thankful to President Asif Ali Zardari and the leadership of all allied parties for their support,” the premier said.
He noted that the 27th Amendment represented a joint national effort “to reinforce the federation, advance national interest, promote inter-provincial harmony and improve governance”. He said every milestone achieved by the government so far was the result of “mutual trust and coordination among coalition partners”.
