Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Munib Akhtar recently approached Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, urging him to schedule an urgent hearing on pleas challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment.
This amendment has stirred considerable debate within Pakistan’s judiciary, as it introduces changes to the constitutionally sanctioned roles of justices and high courts, affecting judicial review procedures in particular. Justice Mansoor and Justice Munib emphasized the need to clarify this amendment’s scope, especially given its impact on cases involving constitutional matters.
The two justices raised their concerns to Chief Justice Isa, stressing the significance of addressing these review petitions expeditiously.
The 26th Amendment, which pertains to the roles of reserved seats and the formation of constitutional benches, has led to questions about judicial autonomy and the decision-making authority of individual benches. They argue that the amendment’s influence could create ambiguity in cases involving federal and provincial governments.
This request is part of a broader judicial discourse on how constitutional changes affect Pakistan’s legal and governance frameworks. By advocating for an immediate hearing, the justices underscore the importance of a swift judicial response to maintain clarity and consistency in the application of constitutional principles.
