Pakistan, proposed constitutional amendments are stirring conflict between the government and opposition. These amendments, said to enhance the political executive’s control over the judiciary, have created a fresh political divide. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government has failed to gain support from the opposition, led by jailed ex-Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, which calls the reforms “unconstitutional” and criticizes the lack of transparency.
The government’s “Constitutional Package” reportedly includes over 50 proposals, mostly related to judicial reforms. A key suggestion is the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court alongside the Supreme Court, handling cases solely related to constitutional interpretations.
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The proposed court would see judges retire at 68, three years later than other courts, with a maximum term of three years for each judge. Additionally, the chief justice of this court would be appointed by the president, based on the prime minister’s recommendations.
Other proposals involve overturning a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that prevented legislators from voting against their party’s stance. These amendments would allow lawmakers to vote freely, even against their party line, further fueling opposition resistance.
Despite the opposition’s refusal to support the changes, the government insists the proposals remain on the table for parliamentary debate.
