Judiciary Showdown: PTI's Protest Threat over Chief Justice Appointment

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, threatened nationwide protests if the senior-most judge isn't appointed as Pakistan's Chief Justice. A new law limits the Chief Justice's tenure to three years, sparking opposition from Imran Khan's party. The amendment disrupts traditional judicial succession practices.

In a tense political climate, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Chief Minister, Ali Amin Gandapur, has warned of widespread protests if the most senior judge isn't designated as Pakistan's Chief Justice. This declaration came during a session in the Provincial Assembly, highlighting concerns over judicial independence.

The move follows Pakistan's enactment of a contentious law capping the Chief Justice's tenure at three years. This law establishes a special commission to determine the top judge among the three most senior Supreme Court judges, drawing stark criticism from Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party.

Gandapur emphasized his party's resolve, stating that they would take to the streets if the government proceeds with what he termed an 'illegal appointment' under the new amendment. This amendment disrupts the traditional seniority-based succession, potentially blocking Justice Masoor Ali Shah's rise after the retirement of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa in October.

(With inputs from agencies.)