Senior legal figures and paralegals launched a strong criticism of the 26th and 27th constitutional amendments on Friday, arguing that the independence of the judiciary is being undermined and lawyers are being targeted. Speaking to the media, Senior Advocate Hamid Khan said that a free bar is essential for an independent judiciary, adding that only an independent judiciary could ensure the supremacy of the Constitution. He claimed that lawyers did not share the thoughts of what he called "government group," and emphasized that legal professionals will continue to represent independent thought. He claimed that cases had been registered against lawyers and arrests had taken place, calling it an attempt to suppress dissent. He criticized the idea of parallel judicial structures, stating that globally there was either a Constitutional Court or a Supreme Court, not both. According to him, Pakistan’s existing system centered around the Supreme Court was sufficient and efforts would be made to abolish the Constitutional Court. Hamid Khan also raised concerns over appointments of judges and alleged that junior lawyers from preferred chambers were being elevated as judges of the Lahore High Court (LHC). He reiterated that licensing of lawyers is the responsibility of the Bar Council, while suspensions fell under the domain of disciplinary committees. Pakistan Bar Member Shafqat Chauhan accused the government of making the judiciary ineffective through constitutional amendments. He demanded an immediate withdrawal of the 26th and 27th Amendments, arguing that the creation of a constitutional court served political goals rather than institutional needs. He further argued that basic human rights had effectively been suspended and questioned where citizens would now seek justice.
"If such illegal actions continue, public backlash is inevitable," he said. Echoing similar concerns, Lahore High Court Bar Association President Babar Murtaza termed the establishment of the Constitutional Court "illegal". He urged that petitions challenging the amendments be fixed for early hearing. He maintained that constitutional rights in the country had been curtailed. Lahore High Court Bar Association President Babar Murtaza said Karachi Bar elections were traditionally held in December but had been repeatedly delayed to May. He called the situation "regrettable" and raised serious concerns about the credibility of the process. He claimed that fake votes were identified during the voting process and accused elements in the establishment of trying to ensure the success of a favored candidate.
