Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Triggers Supreme Court Resignations and Outrage
Pakistan's government has sparked controversy with the 27th Constitutional Amendment, granting lifelong immunity to the president and army chief. The move also secures full control of the armed forces for the army chief. The amendment has led to the resignation of two Supreme Court justices, Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, and sparked criticism from legal professionals.
The resignations come as a significant blow to Pakistan's justice system. Barrister Rida Hosain described them as another tragic chapter in the country's constitutional evolution. Justice Athar Minallah stepped down due to his disappointment that the Constitution he swore to protect is no longer intact. His colleague, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, resigned to avoid accepting what he deemed a constitutional injustice and the stifling of the court's authority.
Lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig labelled the event as the 'darkest day' in judicial history, marking the ruin of the Supreme Court and the judiciary. The amendment, which has not been officially confirmed, has raised concerns about the balance of power and the independence of the judiciary.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment, if indeed passed, will have profound implications for Pakistan's political landscape. The resignations of the two justices highlight the deep divisions and concerns surrounding the amendment. The government must now address these concerns and work towards restoring confidence in the justice system.
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