Lawyers of the Karachi Bar Association (KBA) staged a protest on Saturday at the Sindh High Court (SHC) against the recently enacted 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, which created the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), has sparked opposition over fears it undermines the Supreme Court (SC).
The protest began outside the SHC with lawyers chanting slogans against the amendment and government. Visuals showed minor scuffles with police, resulting in some injuries before authorities allowed the demonstration to continue. Lawyers later entered the SHC Bar Association hall, continuing their protest with slogans and speeches.
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The 27th Amendment was passed on November 13 amid strong opposition from some judges and lawyers. Hours later, SC judges Athar Minallah and Mansoor Ali Shah resigned, citing reservations against the change. Legal experts warn the amendment threatens judicial independence by prioritizing the FCC over the SC.
KBA had previously observed a full-day strike in the subordinate judiciary last week to protest the amendment. Litigants were barred from entering City Courts, and proceedings were adjourned due to the boycott. Token strikes continued from Tuesday to Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. each day.
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Lawyers say the protests will continue until their concerns are addressed and judicial authority is preserved. They demand reconsideration of the amendment to maintain the SC’s status as the country’s apex court. Observers say the protests reflect growing tension between the bar and government over judicial reforms.