Proposed constitutional amendments challenged in SC

A fresh petition has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan, challenging the proposed constitutional amendments. Advocate Saeem Chaudhry moved the petition, arguing that Article 179, which concerns the retirement age of judges, should be declared a fundamental part of the Constitution.

Key Petition Demands

• Declare Article 179 as fundamental to the Constitution
• Prevent government interference with judicial independence and impartiality
• Nullify constitutional amendments that violate fundamental rights and judicial independence
• Bar the executive from making judiciary-related constitutional amendments

Respondents Named

The federal government, Speaker, Chairman of the Senate, and Ministry of Law have been made respondents in the petition.

Breakthrough in 26th Constitutional Amendment Talks

In a separate development, the government has reached an agreement with JUI’s Maulana Fazlur Rehman over the proposed 26th constitutional amendment. The two parties have agreed on the establishment of a constitutional court.

Next Steps

The constitutional amendment will be tabled in parliament after the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) session on October 15-16 in Islamabad. This breakthrough marks significant progress in the ongoing constitutional amendment discussions.

The petition and the breakthrough in talks highlight the complex and dynamic nature of Pakistan’s constitutional landscape. As the country navigates these changes, the Supreme Court’s decisions will be crucial in shaping the nation’s governance structure and ensuring the independence of the judiciary.

Also Read: Breakthrough in 26th Constitutional Amendment Talks