ISLAMABAD, NOV 12: After the government passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment in the National Assembly, the head of the opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), Mahmood Khan Achakzai, on Wednesday announced launching a public movement against the tweaks from Friday.
After the Senate, the National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill today amid an opposition walkout, which brought changes to the judicial structure and military command.
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Achakzai, along with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, held a press conference in the Parliament House where they strongly criticised the newly-approved constitutional amendment.
The TTAP head said that they are ready to hold talks with the incumbent government; however, it would be organised to discuss returning the stolen mandate.
Gohar said that the amendments were brought to the parliament in haste and blamed the coalition government, ruled by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with its key ally — Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), for making “decisions in personal interests”.
He censured that the federal government added clauses A and B to Article 260, making the post of the chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) a “musical chair” after the formation of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).
The PTI chairman claimed that the said tweaks mentioned that the current CJP’s post will be retained by the current top jurist, who is Justice Yahya Afridi of the Supreme Court, till completion of his tenure.
He went on to say that according to the amendment, CJP Afridi will serve as the country’s top jurist till 2027, and after his tenure, the FCC’s top judge would become the chief justice of the country.
Gohar vowed that if his party returns to power, it would reverse these amendments.
Gohar also slammed the president’s immunity approved through the fresh tweaks, saying that the rulers failed to set a good precedent by offering themselves to be accountable.
He warned that the rulers may enjoy immunity in the court, but they could not escape public accountability.
He vowed that if his party returns to power, it would reverse these amendments.
In today’s NA session, eight amendments were tabled aimed at clarifying the chief justice’s position. It is noteworthy to mention here that these tweaks were not part of the version earlier approved by the Senate.
Highlights of new amendment
Chief of Army Staff to assume role as Chief of Defence Forces
Field Marshal, Marshal of Air Force, Admiral of Fleet titles to remain for life
Incumbent chief justice to remain CJP until completion of current term
Senior-most among SC CJ and FCC CJ will be designated Chief Justice of Pakistan
Federal Constitutional Court to be established
Equal provincial representation approved in Federal Constitutional Court
FCC empowered to take suo motu notice upon petitions
President and prime minister to play a key role in judicial appointments
Presidential immunity limited if president assumes any public office after tenure
Judicial Commission to decide transfer of high court judges
Objections on transfers to be reviewed by Supreme Judicial Council
