By Web Desk 
On October 17, 2024, a key parliamentary committee began discussions on the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment, which seeks to introduce several pivotal changes to Pakistanās legal and political framework. The amendment draft, currently under review, focuses on increasing parliamentary representation for marginalized regions and addressing issues related to judicial independence and provincial autonomy.
The draft amendment proposes an increase in seats for underrepresented areas such as the erstwhile Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and other less-developed regions. This move is seen as an effort to ensure fairer representation in the National Assembly and Senate, which could help address long-standing grievances of these communities. Additionally, the amendment includes clauses aimed at reforming the judicial appointment process to reduce political influence and enhance transparency.
Members of the parliamentary body expressed mixed views on the proposed changes. While the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peopleās Party (PPP) voiced support for greater representation, some opposition members raised concerns about the potential impact on national unity. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) argued that the amendment should also address electoral reforms and measures to curb corruption.
The parliamentary debate is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with lawmakers seeking to build consensus on the most contentious points. Political analysts believe that the 26th Constitutional Amendment, if passed, could have far-reaching implications for Pakistanās political landscape, particularly in terms of regional representation and governance.