Advertisement
Categories: NewsPakistanPolitics

SC to Hear Constitutional Amendments Challenge

Advertisement

The Supreme Court of Pakistan has formed a three-member bench to hear a petition challenging proposed constitutional amendments, with proceedings scheduled for October 17. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, includes Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hasan.

The petition, filed by Abid Zuberi, opposes the federal government’s plan to pass a bill in parliament aimed at amending the constitution, particularly regarding judicial reforms. The amendments, spearheaded by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), have faced strong resistance from the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI)-led opposition.

A key point of contention is the establishment of a federal constitutional court that would assume the Supreme Court’s role in constitutional matters, with the Chief Justice appointed by the prime minister. The amendments also propose limiting the tenure of the Chief Justice to a fixed three-year term.

Additionally, the amendments suggest setting up provincial constitutional courts, each with its own Chief Justice, and creating a constitutional commission to oversee judicial appointments. Another proposed change to Article 63-A would allow defecting lawmakers’ votes to be counted, a move critics argue could undermine party loyalty.

One of the most debated aspects of the proposal is the revision of Article 48, which would grant the prime minister immunity from legal challenges over advice given to the president. An amendment to Article 239 would prevent courts from questioning constitutional amendments passed by parliament.

Negotiations are ongoing, with the JUI-F, led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, playing a pivotal role. The federal government and PPP need JUI-F’s support to secure the majority required to pass the amendments.

Advertisement
News Desk

Recent Posts

Unmissable events in Dubai this June for Pakistani visitors

Dubai has long been a favourite destination for people from Pakistan, offering a vibrant mix…

2 hours ago

Bank Alfalah partners with IBA and PAQI to launch Karachi’s first scientific Emissions Inventory Report

Marking World Environment Day, Bank Alfalah, in collaboration with the Pakistan Air Quality Initiative (PAQI)…

10 hours ago

Karachi Fault Line Active as City Experiences Multiple Earthquakes Over Two Days

Karachi has been rattled by a series of low-intensity earthquakes over the past two days,…

2 days ago

AI with a Human Touch: The Next Step for Pakistani Banking Industry

No one likes standing in long lines, filling endless forms, or waiting days for a…

3 days ago

Government Weighs Income Tax Cuts, Pay Hikes, and Sector Relief in Budget 2025–26

The federal government is reviewing a series of relief proposals aimed at easing financial pressure…

3 days ago

Emirates Pakistan and Consulate of Italy Ink Partnership to Enhance Diplomatic Travel and Cultural Exchange

Emirates, the world's largest international airline, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the…

3 days ago