In a major political move, the opposition alliance Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), led by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, announced a nationwide protest campaign starting Friday against the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The amendment, which was approved by the National Assembly following a Senate nod, introduces sweeping changes to Pakistan’s judicial structure and military command system. The bill was passed amid an opposition walkout, intensifying political tensions across the country.
Speaking at a press conference alongside PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Achakzai condemned the government for “tampering with the Constitution” and said his alliance was open to talks with the government, but only to discuss the “return of the stolen mandate.”
criticizedBarrister Gohar blasted the PML-N–PPP coalition, accusing it of pushing the amendment “in haste and for personal gain.” He criticised the inclusion of Clauses A and B in Article 260, calling the reshaping of the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) position into a “musical chair” system under the new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).
According to Gohar, the amendment ensures that Justice Yahya Afridi will remain CJP until 2027, after which the FCC’s top judge will assume the role of Chief Justice of Pakistan. He vowed that a future PTI government would repeal these constitutional changes.
Gohar also slammed the presidential immunity introduced in the amendment, arguing that true leadership demands accountability. “The rulers may hide behind legal immunity, but they cannot escape public judgment,” he warned.
During the session, lawmakers approved eight new clauses clarifying the CJP’s position—clauses not originally included in the Senate’s version.
Key Highlights of the 27th Amendment:
- COAS to serve as Chief of Defence Forces.
- the Fleet.Lifetime titles retained for Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of Fleet.
- Incumbent CJP Yahya Afridi to remain until 2027.
- the SCThe senior-most judge among SC and FCC to serve as CJP.
- (FCC) isThe Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to be established with equal provincial representation.
- The FCC isFCC empowered to take suo motu notices on petitions.
- PM arePresident and PM to play a central role in judicial appointments.
- immunity isPresidential immunity restricted if the president assumes public office post-tenure.
- Judicial Commission to handle high court judge transfers, with objections reviewed by the Supreme Judicial Council.
The opposition has vowed to challenge what it calls an “attack on judicial independence” both on the streets and in the courts.
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