What majority is required to pass a constitutional amendment in the National Assembly?

The correct answer is Two-thirds Majority. In Pakistan, a constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the National Assembly, ensuring broad political consensus for any change to the fundamental law of the land.

Constitutional Amendment Process in Pakistan

• Constitutional Provision (Article 239): The procedure for amending the Constitution is laid out in Article 239. It stipulates that a bill to amend the Constitution must be passed by at least two-thirds of the total membership of the National Assembly. A simple or absolute majority is insufficient.
• What is a Two-thirds Majority?: The National Assembly has a total of 336 seats. Two-thirds of 336 equals 224 votes. The amendment bill must receive at least 224 votes in favour to pass. This high threshold prevents any single party from unilaterally altering the Constitution without substantial support from other parties.
• Senate Approval: After passage in the National Assembly, the bill must also be passed by a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the Senate (at least 65 out of 96 senators). This bicameral super-majority requirement underscores the gravity of constitutional changes.
• Comparison with Other Majorities:
  • Simple Majority: A majority of members present and voting (more yes than no) — used for ordinary legislation and routine motions, not for constitutional amendments.
  • Absolute Majority: A majority of the total membership (at least 169 in the National Assembly) — needed for some specific procedures like a no-confidence motion, but still not enough for a constitutional amendment.
  • Three-fourths Majority: Not required for the initial passage of constitutional amendments in Pakistan; this threshold is sometimes used in other countries or for other purposes like overriding a presidential veto.
• Why a Super-majority is Necessary: The Constitution is the supreme document of the state. Requiring a two-thirds majority protects it from hasty or partisan changes, ensuring that amendments reflect a national consensus rather than temporary political dominance. This principle upholds the sanctity and stability of Pakistan\'s constitutional framework.

Thus, a two-thirds majority is required to pass a constitutional amendment in the National Assembly.