Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment on Wednesday amidst a complete boycott by opposition members, pushing through a significant judicial reform that establishes a long-awaited Constitutional Court.

The legislation was endorsed with an overwhelming majority of 234 votes in favor and only four against. Following the vote, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif addressed the chamber, praising the attending lawmakers for their unity and solidarity on the crucial bill.

In his speech, the Prime Minister underscored Pakistan’s persistent struggle against terrorism, referencing recent security incidents at the Wana Cadet College and the Islamabad Courts. He asserted that foreign elements were clearly involved in these attacks and commended the nation’s security forces for their sacrifices in protecting citizens.

Mr. Sharif also directed a message to the Afghan Taliban regime, urging it to control the activities of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). He affirmed that the country would not tolerate any hindrances to its progress and prosperity.

The Prime Minister extended his gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and other parliamentarians for their instrumental support. He celebrated the creation of the Constitutional Court, a provision from the Charter of Democracy that has been pending for 19 years.

Earlier in the session, Federal Minister for Law, Azam Nazeer Tarrar, introduced the amendment. He also moved to resolve ambiguities surrounding the appointment of the next Chief Justice, confirming that Justice Yahya Afridi would assume the top judicial post.

Addressing the assembly, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that constitutional changes should ideally be made through consensus rather than a simple majority, recalling the spirit of the 18th and 26th Amendments. He noted the government’s achievements, including providing constitutional protection to the title of Field Marshal.

Mr. Bhutto Zardari stressed the importance of national unity against terrorism and anti-state elements. He highlighted that the new Constitutional Court is designed to ensure equitable representation for all provinces.

He concluded by urging the opposition to engage in constructive legislative work instead of resorting to protests. His remarks, however, were met with loud slogans and disruptions from the opposition benches present during his speech. The 27th Amendment is seen as a pivotal development in advancing judicial reforms and strengthening provincial equality within Pakistan’s constitutional framework.