The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bar Council has expressed serious concerns over the federal government's proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment, warning that it could undermine judicial independence and provincial autonomy. The Bar Council criticized the government for not presenting the amendment draft to political parties or in the parliament, expressing reservations over a version circulating on social media. According to the Council, amendments to Article 175A, which reshapes the Supreme Judicial Council, pose a direct threat to judicial freedom and provincial sovereignty. The Bar Council urged the government to involve all political parties in discussions and avoid any amendments that jeopardize the independence of the judiciary or autonomy of the provinces.

They affirmed their unwavering stance in support of judicial independence. Meanwhile, KP Information Adviser Barrister Saif called on the legal fraternity to support PTI in opposing the amendments. He emphasized that lawyers have always played a pivotal role in defending judicial independence, stating that the government, unfit and illegitimate, is sacrificing the judiciary's freedom for short-term gains. He further criticized the government for withholding the amendment draft, suggesting that it reveals a deeper agenda. According to Saif, even the government’s allies have been kept in the dark, with multiple drafts circulating to manipulate support.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan