In a significant development for Pakistani politics, the 26th Constitutional Amendment was officially enacted today following its passage through both houses of Parliament. President Asif Ali Zardari granted his assent to the amendment on Monday.

This marks the second consecutive “working weekend” for the ruling coalition, which successfully advanced the long-awaited ‘Constitutional Package’ with a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the National Assembly.

The 26th Amendment introduces several reforms focused primarily on the judiciary. Key changes include the removal of the Supreme Court’s suo motu powers, the establishment of a three-year term for the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP), and the authority granted to the prime minister to appoint the next CJP from the three most senior judges of the Supreme Court.

The Senate approved the bill, which contained 22 clauses, with a two-thirds majority on Sunday. Subsequently, the National Assembly, in a session that extended past 5am on Monday, passed an amended version of the bill with 27 clauses, reflecting suggestions made by the Senate.

The ceremony initially scheduled for 6:00 AM at the President’s House was postponed to around noon on Monday.

The 26th Amendment is now officially part of the Constitution.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent the advice to the President for the authentication of the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

The 26th Constitutional Amendment will establish a parliamentary committee to appoint the new Chief Justice. Furthermore, the federal government has decided to immediately form this parliamentary committee to handle the Chief Justice’s appointment.

The bill has also made the right to clean environment a fundamental part of the constitution and pledged to take steps to eliminate Riba by 2028.