Press Release Title: Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice presiding over a meeting of the committee at Parliament House Islamabad.

Press Release Date: 3rd February, 2026

A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice was held today at the Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of Senator Farooq Hamid Naek.  Senators Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Shahadat Awan, Kamran Murtaza, Samina Mumtaz Zehri attended the meeting. Senator Sarmad Ali also put attendance virtually. The Minister of State for Law and Justice also attended the meeting.  The Committee took up further consideration of The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Amendment of Article 62), introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri during the Senate sitting held on September 9, 2024. The proposed amendment sought to make graduation a mandatory qualification for appointment to key constitutional and public offices, including the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Chairman and Deputy Chairman Senate, Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Federal Ministers, Ministers of State, and Provincial Ministers. The mover emphasized that holders of such high public offices carry enhanced constitutional responsibilities and public trust, warranting elevated eligibility standards. During deliberations, replies received from all Provincial Governments opposed the proposed amendment. The Committee was informed that the proposal raised constitutional concerns, including a potential conflict with Article 25 (Equality of Citizens) of the Constitution. The Chair observed that the proposed qualification requirement could undermine the constitutional principle of equality. Senator Abdul Qadir further noted that states are governed by wisdom, experience, and vision rather than academic degrees alone, distinguishing between education and qualification. Minister of State appreciated the intent behind the amendment and acknowled the mover’s objective to strengthen governance standards. Howveer, keeping in view the responses received from the Provinces and sense of the Committee, the Member-in-Charge withdrew the Bill. The Committee also took up further consideration of The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Amendment of Article 228) and The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Amendment of Article 153) both introduced by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada Khan during the Senate sitting held on May 19, 2025. Both Bills aimed to enhance women’s representation in constitutional bodies. Regarding Article 228, the Committee reviewed the response of the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) which stated that the Constitution does not bar the appointment of women as members of the Council. The CII clarified that at least one female member is already ensured and women possessing the requisite qualifications may be appointed without any constitutional amendment. Consequently, it was concluded that no amendment to the Constitution was required for this purpose. Similarly, on the proposed amendment to Article 153 concerning the Council of Common Interests (CCI), the Ministry concerned opposed the Bill, stating that the Constitution already permits the appointment of women as members of the CCI by the Prime Minister, provided they meet the prescribed qualifications. The Committee was informed that there is no constitutional restriction, rendering the proposed amendment unnecessary. Accordingly, both the Bills were disposed off with the recommendations that the same may not be passed by the House. The Committee further considered The Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali in the Senate sitting held on January 19, 2026. During clause-by-clause consideration, the proposed amendment to Section 9 was withdrawn. However, the amendment to Section 11 was passed, with an additional modification providing that family courts may allow audio and video recording of statements subject to judicial discretion and the consent of the parties concerned.