- The opposition describes the judges’ resignation as a resistance movement.
- KP Aman Jirga statement fully supported by the alliance.
- Marches are planned for Monday from the assemblies to the high courts.
RAWALPINDI: Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP) on Friday strongly opposed the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments, calling them violations of the basic structure of the Constitution and demanding restoration of its original form.
After holding a session chaired by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Rawalpindi today, the opposition alliance rejected the constitutional amendments and demanded that the Constitution of Pakistan be restored to its original form.
“The amendments undermine the fundamental framework of the Constitution and must be rescinded immediately,” the alliance said, criticizing the federal government’s actions.
It is worth mentioning here that the 27th Amendment, which brought changes in the judicial structure and military command, was passed by both houses of Parliament in several sessions earlier this week, amid protests from the opposition.
After the amendment was passed, the opposition alliance announced the launch of a public movement, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) vowed to reverse the changes after returning to power.
Opposition leaders have expressed full support for the resignations of Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah as a form of principled resistance, according to a statement.
TTAP unanimously supported the statement issued by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Aman Jirga, organized by the provincial government to maintain law and order and combat terrorism.
Unveiling the future action plan, the alliance announced that members of the National Assembly and the Senate will march from Parliament to the Supreme Court on Monday.
In Punjab, lawmakers are planning to travel from the provincial assembly to the Lahore High Court, while in KP, a resolution against the 27th amendment will be presented in the provincial assembly.
A national “Black Day” will be celebrated next Friday to protest the new amendments.
Besides, the alliance called for the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi and other political prisoners.
Today’s session was attended by TTAP General Secretary Asad Qaiser, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI President’s lawyer Gohar Ali Khan, PTI General Secretary Salman Akram Raja, Awaam Pakistan in-charge Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Balochistan National Party (BNP) chief Akhtar Mengal, Zain Shah of the Sindh United Party, Sajid of the BNP. Tareen, TTAP Vice President Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, PTI Additional General Secretary Firdous Shamim Naqvi, TTAP Spokesperson Hussain Yousafzai, PTI founder Imran Khan’s lawyer Khalid Yousaf Chaudhry, PTI General Secretary KP Ali Asghar Khan and PTI Deputy General Secretary Shaukat Basra.
27th constitutional amendment
The 27th Constitutional Amendment introduces a radical restructuring of Pakistan’s judicial and military command frameworks.
According to the amendment, the Chief of Army Staff will simultaneously perform the functions of the Chief of Defense Forces, making the post the central command authority of the armed forces. The military ranks of Field Marshal, Air Force Marshal, and Fleet Admiral will now remain life titles.
A major structural change comes in the form of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which is being created as a new judicial forum with equal representation from all provinces. The amendment empowers the FCC to exercise suo motu authority over petitions.
The amendment gives the president and prime minister key roles in appointing judges, while reducing some powers of the Supreme Court and transferring some of its authority to the newly created FCC.
Other judicial reforms set eligibility requirements requiring judges to serve at least five years on a high court before they can be appointed to the Constitutional Court. The Judicial Commission will now decide on the transfer of High Court judges, with any objections to be considered by the Supreme Judicial Council.
Additionally, a new clause limits presidential immunity in cases where a president assumes public office after completing his term.
