ISLAMABAD: The opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) on Wednesday announced a countrywide protest movement starting Friday against the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which alters key provisions related to the judiciary and military leadership.
Opposition Rejects New Constitutional Tweaks
TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai, accompanied by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, said during a press conference at Parliament House that the coalition government “bulldozed” the amendment through parliament without proper debate.
Achakzai maintained that while the alliance is open to dialogue with the government, the discussions must focus on what he described as “restoring the stolen mandate.”
Meanwhile, Gohar Ali Khan accused the ruling coalition of acting out of “personal interest,” claiming the amendment undermines judicial independence and concentrates excessive power in executive hands.
Read What Bilawal Bhutto Said about this here
PTI Vows to Reverse Amendment
The PTI chairman criticized the inclusion of clauses A and B in Article 260, which he said turned the position of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) into a “musical chair” due to the formation of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).
He asserted that under the amendment, the current CJP, Justice Yahya Afridi, would continue in office until 2027, after which the FCC’s top judge would assume the role of CJP. Gohar pledged that PTI would repeal these provisions if it returned to power.
Gohar also denounced the expanded presidential immunity clause, calling it a “poor precedent” that shields leaders from accountability. “They may escape courts, but not public judgment,” he warned.
Key Features of the 27th Amendment
The National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment earlier in the day, following Senate approval, amid an opposition walkout. The amendment introduces significant changes to Pakistan’s judicial and defence structure, including:
- Creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with equal provincial representation.
- Chief of Army Staff to serve as Chief of Defence Forces.
- Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, and Admiral of Fleet titles to remain for life.
- Judicial Commission to handle transfers of high court judges.
- President’s immunity limited if he holds public office after tenure.
- FCC empowered to take suo motu notices upon petitions.
Political and Legal Debate Ahead
The amendment has triggered intense debate across the political spectrum, with opposition parties viewing it as an attempt to weaken institutional autonomy. Legal experts expect petitions to challenge its validity once the law takes effect.
