Hamid Khan, a senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, has declared a nationwide lawyers’ movement against the proposed constitutional amendments, set to begin on September 19. He firmly rejected the amendment bill even before its presentation.
Speaking outside the Supreme Court, Khan voiced strong opposition to the government’s constitutional package, calling it “untimely and inappropriate.” He sharply criticized the amendments, stating they are akin to a “funeral for the constitution.” He also took aim at lawmakers supporting the amendments, labeling them as “Form 47 MNAs,” suggesting they are easily manipulated by the government.
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Khan vowed that lawyers would not allow the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, declaring the Supreme Court as the highest judicial authority. He compared this movement to the one launched against former President Pervez Musharraf, and emphasized that lawyers are ready to oppose the government with their own bodies if necessary.
The movement will kick off at Lahore High Court, and Khan called on lawyers across Pakistan to unite in this effort. He also demanded the immediate issuance of a notification appointing Justice Mansoor Ali Shah as Chief Justice, refusing to accept any other nominee when Justice Shah is scheduled to take office on October 26.
Khan concluded by pledging to “throw the proposed constitutional package into the trash bin” and urged the entire legal community to stand firm against the government’s amendments.