The political temperature in Islamabad has begun to rise as the government intensifies efforts to secure parliamentary approval for the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, sources revealed on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has entrusted National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq with the crucial task of bringing all political parties on board. The Speaker has convened a high-level meeting of parliamentary leaders at the Parliament House to brief them on the proposed amendment and to finalize the government’s strategy for its passage.

According to insiders, leaders from major political parties — including the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) — along with chief whips from allied parties, have been invited to attend. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq is expected to seek broad-based support and will also hold one-on-one consultations with key leaders in his chamber to ensure a smooth consensus.

However, if the talks fail, the ruling coalition is reportedly ready to rely on its numerical strength in the National Assembly. Sources confirmed that the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and its allies collectively command the backing of at least 224 members — enough to push the amendment through.

Read More: Ishaq Dar Confirms 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill after coalition consensus

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, addressing the Senate on Tuesday, confirmed that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill will only be tabled after full consultation with coalition partners. He assured lawmakers that the process would remain transparent and fully aligned with constitutional principles.

“We will not rush it,” Dar said. “The amendment will be presented in accordance with the Constitution, not in haste.”

According to Dar, the amendment — expected to be introduced in the Senate on November 7 — includes major structural reforms such as the creation of a Constitutional Court, changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, and revisions to Article 243, which defines the supreme command of Pakistan’s armed forces.

He emphasized that the move is entirely government-driven, not externally influenced. “This initiative is our own — it’s not parachuting in from anywhere,” Dar remarked, adding that the draft will be shared with coalition partners, including the PPP, MQM-P, ANP, and BAP, before being finalized.

Read More: 27th Amendment: Ruling alliance crosses NA hurdle, faces Senate test ahead

The PML-N has already begun outreach to its major ally, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari confirmed that discussions include proposals regarding executive magistrates, the transfer of judges, and adjustments in provincial shares under the NFC Award.

Meanwhile, Dar directed the Law Minister to formally table the amendment and urged the Senate Chairman to involve the National Assembly’s Law and Justice Committee for detailed consultation.

Parliamentary sources said both Houses — the Senate and the National Assembly — are expected to review the bill separately, with the government aiming for its passage by next week.

Political reactions to the amendment have been mixed. Senator Faisal Vawda hailed it as a “positive step,” saying changes to Article 243 could strengthen Pakistan’s defence structure, particularly in the age of hybrid and cyber warfare.

Dismissing speculation, Vawda clarified, “Some people claim the 18th Amendment is being rolled back. There’s no such thing.”

However, PTI leader and constitutional expert Salman Akram Raja strongly opposed the move, calling the proposed changes “extremely dangerous” and a potential threat to judicial independence.

Responding to criticism, Senator Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, said the amendment was being “needlessly portrayed as a storm.” He maintained that the formation of a Constitutional Court was part of the Charter of Democracy and would only move forward after complete consensus among coalition partners.