he Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan [“the Constitution”], under Part XI, Article 239, grants Parliament authority to amend any of its provisions. The constitutional amendment may originate in either House of Parliament, but it requires a two-thirds majority of the total members for passage. The Constitution (Twenty-seventh Amendment) Act, 2025, became effective on November 13, 2025 on receiving the ascent of President of Pakistan, after being passed by a two-thirds majority in both Senate and National Assembly.

The 27th Amendment establishes a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and introduces wide ranging textual and structural revisions across more than twenty Articles of the Constitution. The stated reason for the amendment is to ensure specialized adjudication of constitutional matters, thereby allowing the Supreme Court to concentrate on civil and criminal appeals. The model draws inspiration from jurisdictions such as Germany, Italy, and Turkey, where constitutional courts exist as a separate entity.

In Part VII, after CHAPTER 1, a new ‘CHAPTER 1A’, is inserted, comprising Articles 175B to 175L, to define and elaborate the structure of FCC, its jurisdiction and composition. The FCC possesses original jurisdiction over disputes between governments, limited appellate jurisdiction in constitutional matters, and advisory and review powers.

The first Chief Justice of FCC, Mr. Justice Amin-Ud-Din Khan, appointed by the President on the advice of Prime Minister, took oath on November 14, 2025. He will serve a three-year term or until he reaches the age of sixty-eight, whichever occurs earlier. A Judge of FCC shall hold office until he attains the age of sixty-eight years, unless he sooner resigns or is removed from office. In accordance with the Constitution, Judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts........

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