National Assembly unanimously passes 21st Amendment

The lower house of the parliament unanimously passed the crucial amendment in the constitution with 247 votes with no vote against the legislation.

Ultra right religious parties Jamaat Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) opted to remain absent from the voting after their demand for removal of the words ‘religion’ and ‘sects’ was not entertained.

The members of Imran Khan led Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Shaikh Rashid of Awami Muslim League were also absent from the crucial assembly session.

Speaker Ayaz Sadiq after approval of the 21st Constitutional Amendment initiated the clause-wise reading and approval of the legislation.

The lower house also passed amendment in the Army Act.