Opposition party PTI to initiate lawyer-led protests in response to potential approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, as announced by Asad Qaiser.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan is currently at a preliminary stage, with no official draft or formal proposal released. Discussions and consultations are happening within the ruling PML-N party and some legal circles to further reform the judiciary and address unresolved issues left by the 26th Amendment [1][5].
Opposition from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP)
PTI, led by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, strongly opposes the potential 27th Amendment, following their earlier opposition to the 26th Amendment. They perceive it as part of a broader agenda undermining democratic and constitutional governance. The PTI alleges that the government is controlling the National Assembly and undermining opposition lawmakers, framing the amendment as part of a political "drama" rather than a genuine legal reform [2][4].
The opposition alliance TTAP, allied with PTI, shares similar concerns about the amendment process and the broader political context, joining PTI in resistance against the amendment due to fears it might erode rights or independence tied to judicial and constitutional structures [4].
PTI's Planned Response
PTI has announced a lawyers' movement to resist the likely enactment of the 27th Amendment and plans to consult extensively with legal professionals, embassies, and the public to counter what it sees as oppression and injustice through all possible forums—parliament, courts, and civil society [2][4]. The PTI will also consult lawyers on the 26th Amendment, as per Qaiser's statement.
Leadership's Comments
Asad Qaiser, the PTI leader and former National Assembly speaker, called the 27th Amendment a major threat to democratic norms. He questioned the legality of barring lawmakers from jail visits, stating that members of parliament have the privilege to visit prisons around the world. He also criticized the treatment of parliamentarians, claiming they face humiliation in front of Adiala jail and are denied their right to inspect prison conditions despite parliamentary rules allowing such visits [4].
Zubair, another PTI leader, referred to the ruling coalition, stating that the PDM has completed three and a half years. He also claimed that statements about Pakistan being on the brink of default were false [3].
Government's Response
Mainstream political leaders like Pakistan Peoples Party's Bilawal Bhutto have rejected rumors relating to the 27th Amendment, calling such reports baseless and reaffirming commitment to reforms achieved through consensus, especially the 26th Amendment and judicial reforms [3].
In summary, the 27th Amendment is still speculative and undeveloped officially, with PTI and TTAP voicing strong opposition fearing it will undermine democracy and constitutional rights, while the government and ruling party appear to be in early consultation stages without formal drafting or consensus [1][2][3][4][5]. The PTI has devised a schedule outlining activities for the month to counter the 27th Amendment and rally support for their cause.
[1] https://www.dawn.com/news/1691068 [2] https://www.geo.tv/latest/395185-pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-announces-lawyers-movement-against-anticipated-27th-constitutional-amendment [3] https://www.dawn.com/news/1693823 [4] https://www.geo.tv/latest/395185-pakistan-tehreek-e-insaf-announces-lawyers-movement-against-anticipated-27th-constitutional-amendment [5] https://www.dawn.com/news/1692271
- Despite the preliminary stage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan, opposition parties such as Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) express concerns about its potential impact on the democratic system and constitutional rights.
- In response to the ongoing discussions about the 27th Amendment, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) plans to organize a lawyers' movement, engage with legal professionals, embassies, and the public, and challenge the amendment in parliament, courts, and civil society forums, asserting their opposition to any perceived infringement on democratic norms.
