27th Amendment Faces Nationwide Backlash

News Desk

Islamabad: The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP) on Friday strongly opposed the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, calling them violations of the Constitution’s basic structure and demanding that Pakistan’s Constitution be restored to its original form.

In a session chaired by TTAP head Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Rawalpindi, the alliance condemned the amendments, saying they undermine the fundamental framework of the Constitution and must be reversed immediately. 

The 27th Amendment, which brings significant changes to the judicial structure and military command, passed both houses of Parliament earlier this week amid opposition protests.

Following the passage, TTAP announced plans to launch a nationwide public movement. Opposition leaders also expressed full support for the resignations of Supreme Court justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, calling them acts of principled resistance.

The alliance backed the declaration issued by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Aman Jirga, organized by the provincial government to maintain law and order and curb terrorism.

Protest Plan:

• National Assembly and Senate members will march from Parliament to the Supreme Court on Monday.
• In Punjab, lawmakers will walk from the Provincial Assembly to the Lahore High Court.
• In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a resolution opposing the 27th Amendment will be presented in the provincial assembly.
• A nationwide “Black Day” will be observed next Friday to protest the amendments.
• TTAP also demanded the immediate release of PTI founder Imran Khan, his wife Bushra Bibi, and other political prisoners.

The session was attended by prominent leaders including TTAP Secretary General Asad Qaiser, Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, Awaam Pakistan convener Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, BNP chief Akhtar Mengal, and several other political figures from across the country.

Key Changes in the Constitution: 

The 27th Amendment introduces sweeping reforms in Pakistan’s judicial and military command structures:

• The Chief of Army Staff will also serve as Chief of Defence Forces, centralizing command of the armed forces. Lifetime titles for Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet have been preserved.
• The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) is established as a new judicial forum with equal provincial representation and suo motu authority.
• The amendment assigns the president and prime minister key roles in judicial appointments, while reducing some powers of the Supreme Court and shifting authority to the FCC.
• Judges must serve at least five years in a high court to be eligible for appointment to the FCC. The Judicial Commission will handle transfers of high court judges, with objections reviewed by the Supreme Judicial Council.
• A new clause limits presidential immunity in cases where a former president assumes public office after completing their term.

The opposition alliance has made it clear that they will continue mobilizing nationwide until the amendments are reversed, framing their campaign as a fight to protect Pakistan’s constitutional integrity.