KARACHI: The recently passed 27th constitutional amendment has been challenged in the Sindh High Court, a day after it was approved by Pakistan’s National Assembly. The petition claims that the amendment undermines the fundamental structure of the constitution.
Advocate Ibrahim Saifuddin, representing the petitioner, said the amendment violates basic principles of the separation of powers, judicial independence, and the rule of law. The petition also contends that the amendment enhances the role of parliament and the executive in appointing judges to the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court.
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The petitioner further criticised the provision granting lifetime immunity to the President, describing it as “akin to a royal privilege.” The legal challenge seeks to have the amendment declared unconstitutional, in violation of Islamic and democratic principles, and null and void.
The 27th Amendment was passed in the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority amid opposition protests and a walkout. It will now return to the Senate for endorsement of the added clauses before being sent to the President for final approval.
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The case is expected to set a precedent regarding the balance of power between Pakistan’s judiciary and executive, as the courts examine the constitutional validity of the amendment.