Lawyers from across Pakistan have united in strong opposition to proposed constitutional amendments, warning of a nationwide protest movement if the government proceeds with the controversial changes.
During the All Pakistan Lawyers Convention, hosted by the Karachi Bar Association at the city court, key legal figures declared the proposed amendments unconstitutional. They vowed to launch a countrywide movement against the government’s plans, which include raising the retirement age of the chief justice from 60 to 65 years and extending the Army Chief’s tenure.
The convention saw participation from the Pakistan Bar Council, Supreme Court Bar Association, and representatives from high courts in Lahore, Balochistan, and Peshawar. Notable figures in attendance included former Supreme Court Bar President Munir A. Malik, legal experts Hamid Khan, Abid Zuberi, and other prominent lawyers. However, representatives from the Sindh High Court Bar Association were notably absent.
Peshawar High Court Bar President Fida Gul voiced strong criticism against the establishment of a federal constitutional court, arguing that it could divide the judiciary. He warned that creating a separate court might pave the way for two supreme courts, stating that lawyers are ready to oppose these amendments, even to the point of shedding blood if necessary.
Lahore High Court Bar President Asad Manzoor Butt condemned the amendments as unconstitutional and assured that the legal community across Pakistan is prepared to mobilise in protest. Tensions briefly flared during the convention when Form 47 was mentioned, sparking disagreements among attendees. Members of the People’s Lawyers Forum accused the organisers of a political agenda, but Karachi Bar Association General Secretary Ikhtiyar Channa clarified that the event was not politically motivated, focusing solely on legal concerns.
Several speakers, including lawyer leader Ali Ahmad Kurd and Pakistan Bar Council member Mohammad Shafqat, expressed grave concerns about the long-term effects of the proposed amendments. Shafqat directly accused the Chief Justice of Pakistan of advancing a personal agenda through these changes, which he claimed were in direct conflict with the Constitution.
Former federal law minister Barrister Shahida Jameel called for caution, highlighting the need for transparency in any constitutional changes. She voiced concern about the potential conflict between the constitutional court and the Supreme Court, and criticised the method of appointing the constitutional court’s head by the President, deeming it an unwelcome interference in the judiciary.
The convention ended with a united front, as the legal community issued a stern warning to the government: if the proposed amendments proceed, a nationwide protest movement will follow. The lawyers made it clear they would not accept any changes deemed unconstitutional or imposed in secrecy.
