Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice held a meeting 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 revisited 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 President, Prime Minister, Governors, Chief Ministers, Senate and National Assembly leadership, Federal and Provincial Ministers. The mover argued that higher eligibility standards were needed due to the significant responsibilities of these offices.

During deliberations, responses from all provincial governments opposed the amendment, citing constitutional concerns including potential conflicts with Article 25 (Equality of Citizens). The Chair and members noted that governance relies on experience, wisdom, and vision, not academic degrees alone. In light of provincial objections, the Bill was withdrawn by the mover.

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

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

Amendment to Article 153 (Council of Common Interests): The Ministry stated that the Constitution allows the Prime Minister to appoint qualified women, rendering the amendment redundant.

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 The proposed amendment to Section 9 was withdrawn, while the amendment to Section 11 was approved. The approved modification allows audio and video recording of statements in family courts, subject to judicial discretion and consent of the parties concerned.