Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain has raised serious concerns over the lifetime immunity granted to the president under the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying it would have been “better if the president had not taken such an exception”.
Speaking to Samaa TV at Parliament House, Rana Tanveer said that while the president, prime minister, and ministers already enjoy immunity during their official tenure, granting lifelong protection could set a problematic precedent.
“The prime minister and ministers also have some degree of exemption during their work, which is justified because they cannot keep going to courts repeatedly,” he said. “However, I don’t understand why the president needed lifetime immunity — he can better explain it himself.”
He added that the principle of immunity during service exists to ensure that top government officials can perform their duties without constant legal distractions.
‘Terrorism demands stronger chain of command’
Rana Tanveer also commented on Pakistan’s ongoing counterterrorism efforts, stressing that the threat of terrorism alone is enough reason to strengthen the military’s chain of command.
“Not only the land forces but all branches of the armed forces are fighting terrorism,” he said. “Even during past tensions with India, strengthening the chain of command was always considered a national priority.”
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, referring to the recent Wana incident, and said such acts cannot be tolerated under any circumstances.
‘Talks with Afghanistan have failed’
Discussing Pakistan’s strained relations with Afghanistan, Rana Tanveer said that repeated diplomatic efforts had failed to yield positive outcomes.
“Despite repeated explanations, Afghanistan could not understand, and we had to take action,” he said. “The messages coming from there are not good, and the situation is concerning.”
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He stressed that Pakistan has always sought cooperation with Kabul, but continued cross-border terrorism and poor coordination have forced Islamabad to review its approach.
‘India lacks capability to confront Pakistan directly’
Turning his attention to India, the federal minister warned that New Delhi continues to engage in proxy warfare through Afghan soil, but lacks the capacity to confront Pakistan militarily.
“India cannot dare to attack Pakistan again,” Rana Tanveer declared confidently. “It doesn’t have the capability that our forces possess. What India is doing now is only possible through Afghanistan.”
He added that India will continue its proxy war against Pakistan, but the country’s armed forces and intelligence network remain vigilant and capable of countering any threat.
Rana Tanveer also revealed that the government reached out to the PTI for consultation on the constitutional amendments but was met with skepticism and disagreement.
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“PTI is saying things I don’t believe,” he remarked, adding that the government remains committed to dialogue but will not compromise on national and constitutional integrity.
Earlier on Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said that new amendments related to the 27th Constitutional Amendment have been included unanimously and will be presented again in the Senate for approval.
In a statement, the senator clarified that the revised amendments will be tabled “to the extent of the new provisions”, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional accountability.
“If anyone violates Article 6, they should be punished,” Rana Sanaullah asserted, referring to the constitutional clause that deals with high treason.
27th Amendment to pass National Assembly today: AGP
In a separate interview with Samaa TV, Attorney General of Pakistan Mansoor Awan claimed that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill will be passed by the National Assembly today.
