Altaf Hussain Criticizes Pakistan’s 26th Constitutional Amendments
Altaf Hussain, the founder of Muttahida Qaumi Movement – Pakistan (MQM), has expressed serious concerns about the 26th Constitutional Amendments in Pakistan. He claims these changes undermine the judiciary and were rushed without proper deliberation, compromising the justice system’s integrity.
Concerns Over Rushed Process
Speaking at the 137th Intellectual Session on TikTok, Hussain questioned the urgency of the amendments, calling it an unprecedented move. He criticized the overnight passing of the amendments, which he believes damaged the judiciary’s dignity and amounted to an “open slaughter” of the justice system.
Allegations of Coercion
Hussain alleged that members of key political parties were coerced into voting for the amendments. He accused Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of using state resources to ensure the amendments’ passage. He also revealed that judges from the Islamabad High Court faced pressure from government agencies.
Widespread Criticism
The amendments have sparked criticism across Pakistan, with concerns over the erosion of judicial independence and bypassing of parliamentary procedures. Hussain’s address has added weight to the opposition, raising questions about the role of the political and military establishment in the legislative process.
Doubts Revealed
Altaf Hussain -: Altaf Hussain is a political leader from Pakistan. He is the founder of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), a political party in Pakistan.
MQM -: MQM stands for Muttahida Qaumi Movement. It is a political party in Pakistan that mainly represents the Urdu-speaking community.
26th Constitutional Amendments -: The 26th Constitutional Amendments refer to changes made to the Constitution of Pakistan. These changes can affect how the government and its branches, like the judiciary, work.
Judiciary -: The judiciary is the system of courts in a country. It is responsible for interpreting the law and ensuring justice is served.
Coercion -: Coercion means forcing someone to do something by using pressure or threats. In this context, it refers to forcing lawmakers to agree to the amendments.
Shehbaz Sharif -: Shehbaz Sharif is a Pakistani politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He is a member of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party.
Maryam Nawaz -: Maryam Nawaz is a Pakistani politician and the daughter of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. She is a prominent leader in the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party.
State resources -: State resources refer to the money, people, and materials that belong to the government. They are supposed to be used for the benefit of the public.
Judicial independence -: Judicial independence means that the courts should be free from outside influence, especially from the government, so they can make fair decisions.
Executive overreach -: Executive overreach happens when the government tries to take more power than it should have, often interfering with other branches like the judiciary.
