Pakistan Supreme Court Dismisses Challenge to 26th Constitutional Amendment
In Islamabad, Pakistan’s Supreme Court has dismissed a plea against the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment. The decision came after the petitioner’s lawyer, Hamid Khan, requested to withdraw the plea. The petition was initially filed by Abid S Zubairi, a former president of the Supreme Court Bar Association and a current member of the Pakistan Bar Council.
Details of the Court Hearing
The three-member bench, led by Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa and including Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan and Justice Shahid Bilal Hassan, heard the case. During the hearing, Chief Justice Isa questioned why the petitioners did not appear themselves to withdraw the plea, noting that six lawyers had filed it.
Background of the Petition
Abid Zubairi filed the petition on September 16, urging the court to protect the constitutional foundation by maintaining the separation of powers and judicial independence. The proposed amendments include extending judges’ retirement age and forming a constitutional court, which have been opposed by former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf.
Doubts Revealed
Pakistan Supreme Court -: The Pakistan Supreme Court is the highest court in Pakistan. It makes important decisions about laws and justice in the country.
26th Constitutional Amendment -: A constitutional amendment is a change or addition to a country’s constitution. The 26th Amendment in Pakistan was a proposed change to the country’s laws.
Petitioner’s lawyer -: A petitioner’s lawyer is a person who helps someone present their case in court. In this case, the lawyer was helping the person who filed the petition against the amendment.
Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa -: Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa is a senior judge in Pakistan. He leads the bench, which is a group of judges, in making decisions on important cases.
Judges’ retirement age -: Judges’ retirement age is the age at which judges must stop working. The amendment proposed to change this age, which some people opposed.
Former Prime Minister Imran Khan -: Imran Khan is a well-known politician in Pakistan. He was the Prime Minister of Pakistan before and is a leader of a political party.