The Karachi Bar Association (KBA) Joins the League of Petitioners Challenging the 26th Amendment Before Supreme Court
ISLAMABAD: The Karachi Bar Association on Thursday joined the league of petitioners who have challenged the 26th amendment before the Supreme Court.
The KBA stated that since no decision has been made regarding this status, all judicial commissions and their proceedings are deemed null. They argued:
Moved through senior counsel Faisal Siddiqi, the KBA contended that amendment violates fundamental rights with implications on independence of judiciary principles such as federalism and separation of powers.
The petition claimed it was passed unconstitutionally, urging SC to strike down not only this act but also all acts based upon its premise since they are void ab initio.
`Furious’ SCBA slams opposition from Lawyers Action Committee
The petition highlights issues of politicizing judiciary, encroachment upon its powers and disenfranchisement leading to substantive unconstitutionalities during passage.
JCP Meeting Contested by SCBA President Mian Mohammad Rauf Atta
The Supreme Court Bar Association’s president took exception against the criticism directed from what he called representatives of All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee, expressing disappointment over extending constitutional bench duration.
He stated: We reiterate our full support [for] and confidence in JCP, its Chairman, and head of Constitutional Bench. He believes the amendment has secured judicial independence while reducing backlog enhancing justice delivery speed.
“Condemnation rejected”
The committee had condemned extending bench duration orchestrated by an allegedly executive-dominated JCP. The president of SCBA stated their appreciation for the extensive discussions which resulted in this extension, reflecting confidence towards all members.
“Earlier Condemnation”
An earlier statement from All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee had condemned extending and composing of constitutional bench. They expressed support for Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail who aligned with Chief Justice Afridi, Justices Syed Mansoor Ali Shah & Munib Akhtar in emphasizing that SC’s judges should be part of the Constitutional Bench.
This statement was endorsed by several senior counsel and former presidents including Hamid Khan, Qazi Mohammad Anwar, Muneer A. Malik, Abid S. Zuberi & Ali Ahmed Kurd among others.
Published in Dawn on December 27th, 2024.