Controversy Surrounds Pakistan's 26th Constitutional Amendment

Journalist Adnan Yaqoob criticizes Pakistan's 26th Constitutional Amendment, suggesting it aims to appoint government-aligned judges rather than pursue legal reforms. The amendment has sparked debates over judicial independence, with divided public opinion and protests led by Imran Khan's party opposing perceived threats to the judiciary's power.

Concerns have been raised by journalist Adnan Yaqoob over Pakistan's recent 26th constitutional amendment. Yaqoob alleges that the government's true intent was to secure judges who are aligned with its interests, rather than focusing on legal reforms. 'The government rushed the amendment to appoint a chief justice of its liking,' he noted in an interview.

Adnan condemned the move, highlighting meetings between Pakistan People's Party's Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (N) to expedite its passage. He believes the amendment threatens judicial autonomy, facilitating the appointment of Yahya Afridi as chief justice over Syed Mansoor Ali Shah.

Upon taking office, Afridi reshaped the Practice and Procedure Committee and brought back Justice Akhtar. Yaqoob warns that Afridi's critical moves have prompted government plans for a 27th constitutional amendment to curb the chief justice's power, aiming to limit the Supreme Court's autonomy further.

(With inputs from agencies.)