Lahore High Court (LHC) judge Justice Chaudhry Mohammad Iqbal on Monday recused himself from hearing a petition challenging the 27th Amendment. Justice Chaudhry Mohammad Iqbal recused himself due to personal reasons. Two citizens, Munir Ahmad and Mian Mohammad Shabbir, had filed a petition in the Lahore High Court against the 27th Constitutional Amendment.  The federal government, including the prime minister and Speaker of the National Assembly, had been named as respondents in the case. 

The petition challenged the amendment, claiming it effectively diminishes the powers of the Supreme Court by establishing a federal constitutional court.  The petitioners argued that this change threatened the independence of the judiciary and reduced the authority of the Supreme Court.  Furthermore, the petition contends that the amendments are against Islamic provisions, judicial autonomy, and fundamental rights, and that the constitutional framework has been affected without proper consultation with the provinces. 

The petitioners also highlighted the lack of input from legal professionals, civil society, journalists, and other key stakeholders during the process.  The petitioners had requested the Lahore High Court to declare the 27th Constitutional Amendment null and void and issue a stay on its implementation until a final decision is reached. 

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)