27th Amendment Faces Legal Challenge in Lahore High Court

Azhar Siddique, a prominent advocate, has filed a petition challenging the recently promulgated 27th Constitutional Amendment. The petition claims the amendment clashes with the fundamental structure of Pakistan’s constitution. Siddique argues that the amendment undermines the Supreme Court’s authority and weakens judicial independence.

According to the petition, the amendment grants supremacy to the Federal Constitutional Court, which threatens the power of the Supreme Court. Siddique warned that this could negatively impact judicial freedom in Pakistan. The petitioner emphasized that the amendment violates core constitutional principles, including Islamic clauses and judicial sovereignty.

Siddique further argued that the current legislature, which passed the amendment, was not a constitutional assembly. Therefore, it was not authorized to make such a significant change to the constitution. He also criticized the lack of debate and transparency during the amendment’s passage in parliament.

The petition pointed out that no consultation was sought from legal experts, civil society, or other key groups before passing the amendment. Siddique called the legislative process “non-transparent” and “flawed.” He requested the court to declare the amendment null and void, holding it in abeyance until further review.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment was passed by Pakistan’s National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, despite strong opposition protests. The amendment was signed into law by the President after it passed both houses of parliament. The petition now awaits judicial review to determine its validity.

READ MORE : Chief Justice Calls Full Court Meeting Today to Review 27th Amendment

The Chief Justice has called a full court meeting today to review the 27th Constitutional Amendment. According to sources, the meeting will focus on how the new amendment may affect the judiciary. The full court session will take place at 2 PM after Friday prayers.

Three Supreme Court judges — Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Salahuddin Panhwar — had written letters to the Chief Justice regarding the 27th Amendment. They expressed concerns about the impact of the amendment on judicial powers