The lawyers’ movement has staunchly rejected the 26th Amendment, labeling it an “unconstitutional move” that they will resist vigorously both in courts and on the streets, according to The News. During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, prominent legal figures, including former Supreme Court Bar Association president Munir A Malik, expressed their concerns that the amendment would undermine judicial independence by imposing a controlled democracy.
Malik raised questions about the rationale behind transferring constitutional matters to specialized benches and criticized the potential impact on case backlogs. He emphasized that the legal community has consistently supported judicial reforms and accountability, advocating for a merit-based system for appointing judges. However, he warned that the new amendment risks placing judicial appointments under the control of the establishment, raising alarms about the future of judicial independence.
He compared the situation to a snake that has not only bitten but is now strangling the judiciary, suggesting that the damage inflicted could take decades to heal. Malik praised the Karachi Bar Association and Sindh Bar Council for their commitment to resisting what he termed “black laws,” reaffirming the legal community’s historical role in defending judicial integrity.
