Supreme Court Resumes Hearing on 26th Amendment Challenges

Islamabad Supreme Court – (Specail Correspondent / Web Desk) – An eight-judge panel of the Supreme Court has restarted hearings on a major legal challenge. The case focuses on which court group should handle dozens of petitions against the 26th Constitutional Amendment. This amendment was passed by Parliament last year, but its approval was clouded by claims that some lawmakers were pressured to vote for it.

The legal changes have become a central point of debate. The amendment removed the Supreme Court’s power to act on its own initiative in public interest matters. It also set a three-year term for the Chief Justice and changed how the top judge is appointed. Interestingly, the very bench now hearing the case was created by this new law.

During the hearing, a lawyer for one petitioner argued that the court’s reputation is not tied to this amendment. He requested that a different, independent panel of judges hear the case. Judges questioned this, asking if he did not trust the current bench. The lawyer clarified he was not questioning their independence but wanted the case heard by the full Supreme Court.

Several other lawyers and groups have also asked for a full court hearing. This means all available Supreme Court judges would decide the matter. The current panel must first decide who should hear the case before it can rule on the amendment itself. The proceedings are being broadcast live for the public to watch.

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The groups challenging the amendment want it completely thrown out. They argue it was not passed correctly and that it weakens the independence of the country’s judiciary. They also claim it undermines key features of the Constitution. The court’s final decision will have a profound impact on Pakistan’s legal and political landscape.