In a show of unity, Ali Ahmed Kurd announced that Munir A. Malik has been elected as the chairman of the action committee, rallying behind the slogan of the movement: “We will not back down”
By our correspondent
ISLAMABAD: The Lawyers’ Action Committee has announced a significant movement advocating for a nationwide referendum concerning the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan. This initiative has gained traction through the Supreme Court Bar Association and the Pakistan Bar Council, reflecting a growing sentiment among legal professionals about the implications of the amendment.
During a press briefing that followed a meeting of lawyers, Advocate Munir A. Malik articulated the committee’s stance, emphasizing the need for a national referendum to gauge public opinion and the perspectives of the legal community regarding the amendment. He asserted, “If we don’t hold this referendum, we will never know what the people and lawyers want,” underlining the importance of transparency and democratic engagement in addressing constitutional changes.
Malik, a prominent figure in the legal community, expressed his staunch opposition to the 26th Amendment, arguing that it undermines the fundamental structure of the Constitution. He remarked, “No one will accept it,” and voiced hope for the establishment of a full court to hear petitions challenging the amendment in the Supreme Court. He called for the judiciary to adopt a proactive stance rather than remain passive, declaring that if the judiciary acted decisively, lawyers across the country would stand in solidarity with them.
In a show of unity, Ali Ahmed Kurd announced that Munir A. Malik has been elected as the chairman of the action committee, rallying behind the slogan of the movement: “We will not back down.” This slogan resonates with the determination of lawyers to challenge the amendment and uphold the integrity of the judicial system.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment introduces a new selection process for the Chief Justice of Pakistan, moving away from the tradition of automatically appointing the most senior judge. Instead, the amendment establishes a process where the Chief Justice is selected from among three senior judges, a shift that aims to refine the judicial commission’s functioning and address pressing legal challenges in the country.
Under the new law, a 12-member parliamentary committee will play a crucial role in deciding the name of the Chief Justice, requiring a two-thirds majority to proceed. Once a name is chosen, it will be forwarded to the Prime Minister, who will then send it to the President for approval. If a senior judge declines, the next most senior judge’s name will be considered for the position.
