The amendment had already been approved by both houses of Parliament — the National Assembly and the Senate — before being sent to the President for his assent.

Following his signature, the bill has now formally become law.

The Senate Secretariat had forwarded the constitutional amendment bill to the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs after it was passed by both houses.

The Senate, which met under Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, approved the revised 27th Constitutional Amendment bill with a two-thirds majority.

The National Assembly had approved the amendment the previous day, also with a two-thirds majority, incorporating eight additional changes.

Cabinet approves draft bill

In a related development, the federal cabinet on Thursday approved changes to relevant laws, including amendments to the acts governing all three armed services in the context of Article 243.

The cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, also approved legislation for the establishment of the Chief of Defence Services post.

The cabinet also approved plans to bring a bill for the constitution of the federal constitutional court.

After approval, the bills will be presented in the National Assembly and subsequently in the Senate for ratification