ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN: The Supreme Court of Pakistan is set to resume proceedings today on the much-anticipated constitutional petitions challenging the 26th Amendment, a legal showdown that could redefine the delicate balance of power between the judiciary, legislature, and executive.
An eight-member bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, will hear the case, which had been pending since January. The bench also includes Justices Jamal Khan Mandokhail, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Ayesha Malik, Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Musarrat Hilali, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Shahid Bilal Hassan — all tasked with weighing the constitutional validity of the amendment that has stirred intense political and legal debate nationwide.
The 26th Amendment, passed amid controversy, introduced sweeping reforms to the judiciary, including limiting the Chief Justice’s term to three years, curbing the Supreme Court’s suo motu powers, and granting the Prime Minister authority to appoint the Chief Justice from among the three most senior judges. Legal experts and opposition voices argue these changes undermine judicial independence — a cornerstone of Pakistan’s constitutional framework.
Petitioners, including bar associations, constitutional lawyers, and political parties, have challenged the amendment, asserting that it was pushed through parliament without due process and in violation of the basic structure of the Constitution. They maintain that the move threatens to erode the judiciary’s autonomy and tilt power heavily toward the executive.
Today’s hearing is expected to set the tone for one of the most consequential constitutional debates in recent years. Observers believe the Court’s eventual ruling could either reaffirm judicial sovereignty or cement executive dominance over the justice system — an outcome with far-reaching implications for Pakistan’s democratic order.
The proceedings are being closely watched by political stakeholders, the legal fraternity, and civil society as the nation awaits clarity on a matter that cuts to the very core of judicial independence and constitutional integrity.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.