The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) strongly disapproves of Pakistan’s 26th Constitutional Amendment. Its president, Aamir Nawaz Warraich, criticizes the amendment process as non-transparent and lacking proper debate. Warraich highlights concerns regarding the method of amendment, labelling it detrimental to democratic principles.
Furthermore, he opposed Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s exclusion from the nomination for the next chief justice, urging the issuance of his appointment notification. He pointed out the increased political influence within the Judicial Commission, which he argued threatens the judiciary’s independence and could hinder public access to justice.
Adding to the controversy, Warraich raised alarms about Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa’s involvement in the judicial commission and constitutional bench appointments just days before his retirement, fearing appointments influenced by executive interests.
This reaction follows the passage of the heavily debated 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 by the Senate and the National Assembly, with the required two-thirds majority achieved amidst opposition walkouts and allegations of coercion by the PTI.
Read: NA Ratifies 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 Despite Divided Opinions
Read: President Zardari Ratifies 26th Constitutional Amendment
The amendment, spearheaded by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, was developed over several months with input from a special parliamentary committee that included broad political representation, aiming to finalize the amendment’s provisions. Despite opposition from PTI’s leadership, who argued that the amendment did not truly represent the will of the Pakistani people, the bill was enacted, marking a significant moment in the country’s legislative history.
Read: PTI Announces Nationwide Protests Against Proposed 26th Constitutional Amendments
