Pakistan Poised for Judicial Shake-Up: 26th Constitutional Amendment on the Horizon

The Pakistan cabinet is set to review the 26th Constitutional Amendment aimed at altering judiciary powers. Allegedly, it seeks to modify judge retirement age and Chief Justice tenure. Political negotiations continue, with the government rallying support for a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

The Pakistan cabinet is preparing to evaluate the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment on Sunday, which could reshape the judiciary's independence. Details on the amendment remain officially undisclosed, yet insiders suggest its aim is to modify the retirement age for judges and the tenure of the Chief Justice.

Rana Sanaullah, former Interior Minister, indicated the cabinet's intention to push the amendment package through Parliament for approval. To become law, the amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and National Assembly. Previously lacking numbers, the government now claims adequate support, according to Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.

Political dynamics are evolving as Maulana Fazlur Rehman's JUI-F shows conditional support after government concessions. Accusations against the government of coercing lawmakers against their will have emerged, with PTI claiming forced abstention. Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari is working to secure consensus, aiming to pass the amendment before Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa's retirement on October 25.

(With inputs from agencies.)