Senate Committee Pushes Constitutional Amendments for Women’s Representation in Key Councils
Proposals to include women in CCI and CII spark debate on gender inclusion in governance
The Senate Standing Committee on Law and Justice has taken significant steps toward enhancing women’s representation in Pakistan’s constitutional bodies. The committee sent the Constitutional (Amendment) Bill, 2025, aimed at amending Article 153 for better representation of women in the Council of Common Interests (CCI), to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who heads the council. Another proposal by Senator Zeeshan Khanzada to amend Article 228 and include women in the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) was postponed, with the committee deciding to await formal input from the CII.
Chaired by Senator Farooq Hamid Naek, the committee engaged in extensive deliberations on reforms designed to ensure justice, equality, and women’s rights. Senator Naek strongly advocated gender inclusion, emphasizing that women’s perspectives are vital for theological and policy discussions. He argued that the CII, which currently has 20 members, should allocate at least three seats for women. While the Ministry of Law explained that current membership rules do not bar women, the committee insisted that clear provisions are necessary to ensure genuine representation.
The committee also reviewed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced by Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir, which sought to enhance the CSS quota for students from Balochistan by amending Article 27. Senator Naek, however, recommended withdrawing the bill, pointing to a Supreme Court ruling and existing civil service regulations that already cover such provisions. He suggested pursuing reforms through an Act of Parliament rather than constitutional amendments, arguing that legislative action would be quicker and more practical. Senator Qadir requested more time to review the court ruling before making a decision, and the matter was deferred to the next session.
Further discussions focused on the Pakistan Penal Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025, presented by Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri, which proposes changes to Sections 323, 330, and 331. The Ministry of Law confirmed that feedback from the Council of Islamic Ideology is still pending. Similarly, the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2024, introduced by Senator Aon Abbas, was also postponed.
The committee’s deliberations reflect a growing emphasis on gender inclusion and regional equity in Pakistan’s governance and legal structures. While some proposals await institutional feedback or face procedural hurdles, the strong advocacy for women’s representation in key decision-making bodies signals a shift toward greater inclusivity. With recommendations now forwarded to the prime minister and pending responses from the CII, the path forward will determine how effectively these reforms can reshape Pakistan’s constitutional and legal framework for a more balanced and representative system.
