Journalist Adnan Yaqoob Criticizes Pakistan’s 26th Constitutional Amendment
In Islamabad, journalist Adnan Yaqoob has expressed concerns about the 26th constitutional amendment in Pakistan. He claims the government’s true intention is to appoint judges who favor its interests rather than focusing on legal reforms. Yaqoob stated, “The government passed the 26th constitutional amendment act to appoint a chief justice of its own choice.” He criticized the act, noting that Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan People’s Party met with PM Shehbaz Sharif’s Pakistan Muslim League (N) to ensure the act’s swift passage.
Yaqoob believes the amendment undermines judicial independence, as it was passed before October 25 to appoint Yahya Afridi as chief justice instead of Syed Mansoor Ali Shah. Afridi has since restructured the Practice and Procedure Committee and reinstated Justice Akhtar. Yaqoob warned that the government is planning a 27th constitutional amendment to limit the Supreme Court’s power.
Amir Nawaz noted that the Pakistani community is divided over the amendment. Some support it, while others, including Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party, oppose it, fearing it weakens the judiciary. The amendment includes 27 clauses and proposes changes to various constitutional articles.
Doubts Revealed
Adnan Yaqoob -: Adnan Yaqoob is a journalist who reports and shares his opinions on important issues. Journalists like him help people understand what is happening in the world.
26th Constitutional Amendment -: A constitutional amendment is a change or addition to a country’s constitution, which is a set of rules for how the country is governed. The 26th amendment in Pakistan is about appointing judges, which some people think might favor the government.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari -: Bilawal Bhutto Zardari is a Pakistani politician and the son of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. He is an important leader in Pakistan and is involved in political decisions.
PM Shehbaz Sharif -: Shehbaz Sharif is the Prime Minister of Pakistan. The Prime Minister is like the head of the government, making important decisions for the country.
Yahya Afridi -: Yahya Afridi is a judge who was appointed as the chief justice. The chief justice is the head of the judges in a country and plays a key role in the legal system.
Imran Khan’s party -: Imran Khan is a famous cricketer turned politician in Pakistan. His political party is called Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), and they have their own views on how the country should be run.
Judicial independence -: Judicial independence means that judges should make decisions based on the law, not influenced by the government or other powerful people. It is important for fairness and justice in a country.