Islamabad: Supreme Court judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah have resigned from their positions. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah submitted a 13-page resignation to the President of Pakistan. Both judges had previously expressed serious concerns about the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a threat to judicial independence.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had written two letters to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi highlighting that the amendment undermines the authority of the Supreme Court. He said it has “weakened the court, divided the judiciary, and placed it under government control.” Justice Minallah also resigned in protest, citing similar concerns.
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The judges argued that the 27th Amendment damages Pakistan’s constitutional democracy. Justice Shah said it strikes at the spirit of separation of powers and erodes public trust in the judiciary. Both emphasized that their resignations were meant to defend the court’s integrity and protect the Constitution.
Both judges noted that the amendment could set a dangerous precedent by reducing judicial checks on government powers. Justice Shah described it as a “serious assault on the Constitution” that could have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s democratic framework.
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The Supreme Court and government have not yet responded publicly. Analysts warn that these resignations may intensify debates on judicial independence and raise questions about the political impact of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.