ISLAMABAD: Over a dozen Supreme Court judges convened in Chief Justice Yahya Afridi’s chambers on Nov 14 to discuss a response to the recently passed 27th Amendment, which curtailed the judiciary’s powers. The meeting came a day after two judges — Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah — resigned in protest, and coincided with the elevation of four judges to the Federal Constitutional Court.
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Sources familiar with the proceedings described a tense atmosphere as judges debated whether the Supreme Court had the authority to challenge parliamentary actions or constitutional amendments. The CJP reminded attendees that the court’s power of judicial review applies only after laws are enacted, and the judiciary cannot preemptively stop parliament from passing legislation.
During deliberations, some judges suggested issuing a formal letter to the government, while others floated the idea of collective resignation as a strong institutional protest. The proposal was met with silence, reflecting a lack of consensus among the members present.
The meeting, attended by 13 judges, did not reach any formal decision. Justices Munib Akhtar and Ayesha Malik were absent, while Justice Musarrat Hilali was indisposed. Four other judges had already been nominated to the newly formed Federal Constitutional Court.
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Observers note that the gathering highlighted deep concerns over the judiciary’s diminished authority and underscored the need for a measured response, even as differences remain on the approach to defend institutional independence.