Shehbaz Sharif Withdraws PM Immunity Clause After Opposition Uproar

Shehbaz Sharif Withdraws PM Immunity Clause After Opposition Uproar

by

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif Orders Withdrawal of Immunity Clause from 27th Constitutional Amendment Amid Protests

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif withdraws a controversial immunity clause from the 27th Constitutional Amendment amid opposition protests and political unrest.

Key Points

  • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif orders withdrawal of immunity clause from the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
  • The clause proposed criminal immunity for the PM, sparking nationwide protests.
  • The bill introduces a new Chief of Defence Forces role and lifetime immunity for top military officers.
  • Opposition parties label the amendment a “military-backed power grab.”
  • Debate on the revised amendment continues in Pakistan’s Senate this week.

TheInterviewTimes.com | November 10, 2025 — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate withdrawal of a controversial clause in Pakistan’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill that sought to grant criminal immunity to the Prime Minister. The decision comes amid mounting opposition protests and accusations that the bill represented a military-backed attempt to consolidate power.

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) after returning from Azerbaijan, Shehbaz Sharif clarified that the immunity clause was not part of the cabinet-approved version.

“On my return from Azerbaijan, I have learnt that some Senators belonging to our party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the Prime Minister. While I acknowledge their intent in good faith, the proposal was not part of the Cabinet-approved draft. I have instructed that it be withdrawn immediately,” he stated.

Sharif emphasized that an elected leader must remain “fully accountable before both the courts and the people,” signaling his stance against any move that could undermine democratic accountability.

Must Read: How the 2025 U.S. TAROM (Trump Tariffs On Rest Of World) Actually Work

Government Confirms Withdrawal

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed that Shehbaz Sharif had no personal interest in the immunity provision, underscoring that the prime minister’s office must remain subject to the rule of law. Senator Anusha Rahman formally withdrew the clause during a joint parliamentary committee session on Sunday.

The controversial clause’s removal followed sharp criticism from across Pakistan’s political spectrum. Opposition leaders accused the ruling coalition of trying to shield the executive and military elite from prosecution.

Sweeping Changes in the 27th Amendment

The 27th Amendment Bill—approved by the federal cabinet on Saturday and tabled in the Senate amid chaos—introduces far-reaching constitutional reforms.
Key provisions include:

  • Creation of a new Chief of Defence Forces post, effective November 27, 2025, allowing the current army chief to transition into the role.
  • Lifetime privileges and immunity for five-star officers such as Field Marshals, revocable only through parliamentary impeachment.
  • Formation of a Federal Constitutional Court to oversee constitutional disputes.
  • Expanded provincial cabinet sizes and lifetime immunity for the President.

Opposition Denounces the Move

Opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), condemned the amendment as an “assault on judicial independence.”
TTAP leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai called it “a 9/11 on Pakistan,” pledging massive street protests. PTI leaders warned that the new five-star rank privileges could entrench “permanent military supremacy” in governance.

Following revisions, the joint Senate and National Assembly committees endorsed the amended draft on Sunday, with PPP’s Farooq Naek commending the removal of the immunity clause. The Senate is expected to resume debate today, followed by a full parliamentary vote later this week.

Must Read: China Lifts Strategic Minerals Export Ban to U.S. Until 2026, Signaling Trade Relief

Sharif Defends Reforms as Governance Strengthening

At a dinner hosted for coalition partners, Shehbaz Sharif defended the amendment as a reform package aimed at “strengthening the federation and improving governance.” His government insists that the 27th Amendment builds upon the October 2024 26th Amendment, which increased parliamentary influence over judicial appointments.

However, analysts argue that the latest reforms deepen Pakistan’s political divide and signal a growing imbalance in civil-military relations. Protests continue nationwide, as opposition groups accuse the government of undermining the foundational principles of the 1973 Constitution.