Constitutional Amendment Faces Legal Challenge in Lahore
The controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment has been formally challenged before the Lahore High Court, with the petitioner demanding the court declare the legislation unconstitutional and void. The legal action represents a significant challenge to one of the government's most substantial constitutional changes.
Petition Details and Key Arguments
Filed on Tuesday by citizen Hassan Latif through his legal counsel Advocate Maqsit Saleem, the petition names several high-ranking officials as respondents, including the prime minister, the National Assembly speaker, and the Ministry of Law. The legal challenge centers on fundamental constitutional principles that the petitioner argues have been violated.
The core argument presented in court documents maintains that the government has approved another constitutional amendment that has already passed through the Senate. This amendment would effectively transfer all powers of the Supreme Court to a newly proposed Federal Constitutional Court while simultaneously granting lifelong immunity to the Chief of Defence Staff.
Constitutional Principles at Stake
The petition strongly contends that the 27th Amendment violates the fundamental spirit of Pakistan's Constitution and undermines the critical principle of separation of powers. This foundational doctrine, which divides governmental authority among different branches, is considered essential for maintaining checks and balances within a democratic system.
Legal experts following the case suggest that the challenge raises important questions about the limits of constitutional amendment power and whether certain basic features of the Constitution remain beyond the reach of parliamentary majority. The petitioner's legal team has requested the court to exercise its authority to strike down the 27th Amendment as unconstitutional, potentially setting a significant legal precedent.
The case is being closely monitored by constitutional lawyers, political analysts, and democracy advocates across Pakistan, as its outcome could have far-reaching implications for the country's governance structure and the balance of power among state institutions.
