President Asif Ali Zardari has officially approved the 26th constitutional amendment, with the gazette notification confirming its enactment shortly thereafter. The notification issued by the National Assembly indicates that the amendment has been passed by both the Senate and the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, officially making it law across Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif previously advised President Zardari to ratify the 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill after its passage in Parliament. Following the unanimous passage, Shehbaz praised the decision as a “shining example of national consensus.” He emphasized that this moment marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s history, fulfilling the unfinished vision of the Charter of Democracy initiated by former leaders Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif.
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In his address to a joint session of Parliament, the Prime Minister declared that the era of dismissing elected prime ministers has ended and highlighted the demonstration of strength and unity within Parliament. He commended Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari for his sincere efforts in making the amendment possible and expressed gratitude to Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his contributions toward advancing the country’s best interests.
Shehbaz Sharif concluded by stating that the approval of the amendment sends a strong message that all political parties prioritize the nation’s future over personal interests. He believes that these constitutional changes will facilitate easier access to justice and help secure Pakistan’s future.
