Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice convened at the Parliament House under the chairmanship of Senator Farooq Hamid Naek. Senators Mohammad Abdul Qadir, Shahadat Awan, Kamran Murtaza, Samina Mumtaz Zehri attended in person, while Senator Sarmad Ali joined virtually. The Minister of State for Law and Justice was also present.

The Committee examined The Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Amendment of Article 62), introduced by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, which proposed making a graduation degree mandatory for key constitutional and public offices including the President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Senate and National Assembly leadership, and Federal and Provincial Ministers. The mover argued that such high offices carry enhanced constitutional responsibilities and public trust, warranting elevated eligibility standards.

During deliberations, all provincial governments opposed the amendment, citing constitutional concerns, including a potential conflict with Article 25 (Equality of Citizens). The Committee observed that governance relies on wisdom, experience, and vision, not academic degrees alone. Considering the provincial objections, the mover withdrew the Bill.

The Committee also reviewed The Constitution (Amendment) Bills, 2025 introduced by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada Khan, aimed at enhancing women’s representation in constitutional bodies:

Article 228 (Council of Islamic Ideology): The CII confirmed that women can already be appointed, with at least one female member ensured, making an amendment unnecessary.

Article 153 (Council of Common Interests): The Ministry clarified that the Constitution allows the Prime Minister to appoint qualified women, so no amendment was required.

Both Bills were disposed of with the recommendation that they not be passed by the House.

Finally, the Committee considered The Family Courts (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introduced by Senator Sarmad Ali. The proposed amendment to Section 9 was withdrawn, while the amendment to Section 11 was approved, allowing audio and video recording of statements in family courts subject to judicial discretion and consent of the parties.