Senior lawyers from Balochistan vehemently opposed the proposed 26th constitutional amendment and warned of protests across the country if the Shehbaz Sharif-led government moves the legislation in parliament, reported Dawn.
The following is what the Baloch leaders of the Lawyers’ Joint Action Committee said to the media: “The Constitution is a social contract. Any revision in it should be asked from the public.”.
Ali Ahmed Kurd, the ex-president Supreme Court Bar Association; Rahib Ahmed Buledi, representative for the Pakistan Bar Council. And Muhammad Afzal Harifal, president of the Balochistan Bar Association, were among those who gave speeches. These leaders reminded the gathering that their movement, as lawyers, had always risen against dictators and martial law when political parties maintained silence.
He criticized the government for not having the legitimacy to amend the Constitution. “The most powerful pressure group in Pakistan is the lawyers. Supported by civil society, students, and various segments of society,” he added.
The Baloch lawyers drew the attention of the participants to the fact that the majority of clauses in the proposed constitutional amendment related to the judiciary. They also asked why the government is not taking bar associations into confidence regarding amendments to the Higher Courts. “Today, those who lack constitutional legitimacy are undermining courts. And creating new courts at will.Yet, they are insisting on amending the Constitution,” said Kurd.
He said that the present Constitution had been unable to provide fundamental rights to the masses. And thousands of people were still missing in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“If PML-N and PPP support these amendments, their democratic credibility will be nullified.” Kurd said while appreciating the role of JUI-F emir Maulana Fazlur Rehman on this issue.
The Karachi Lawyers’ Action Committee has already announced a countrywide protest movement. They say that bar associations must consult on constitutional amendments related to the judiciary.
With growing concerns, Pakistan sees a storm of opposition against the constitutional amendments. On the very plea that the bill would reduce the strength of the judiciary.
ANI
