Ex-PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi Challenges 26th Constitutional Amendment in SHC

Karachi: Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has filed a petition in the Sindh High Court, challenging the legality of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, a move that has sparked significant legal and political debate.

Abbasi’s petition, filed by his attorney Barrister Moeez Jafri, seeks to have the 26th Amendment declared unconstitutional. In his petition, Abbasi has also called for a halt to the appointment of new judges to the high courts until the court delivers its ruling on the matter. The petition names several key parties, including the federal government, the Sindh government, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and the Election Commission of Pakistan.

One of the main concerns raised by Abbasi is the functioning of the Judicial Commission, which he seeks to have suspended during the ongoing legal proceedings. The former prime minister argues that the 26th Amendment, which has been the subject of much scrutiny, may have far-reaching consequences on judicial appointments and could be inconsistent with Pakistan’s constitutional framework.

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The 26th Constitutional Amendment has been a focal point of debate, particularly due to its potential to reshape the process of judicial appointments in Pakistan. Opponents of the amendment, including Abbasi, argue that it undermines judicial independence and may violate core constitutional principles.

As the petition progresses, all eyes will be on the Sindh High Court to see whether the amendment is upheld or struck down, and how this challenge might impact future judicial reforms and the broader political landscape in Pakistan.