Islamabad: Hamid Khan, a leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former President of the Supreme Court Bar Association, has announced a nationwide lawyers’ movement against the proposed constitutional amendments, starting on September 19. He declared that lawyers reject the amendment bill even before its presentation.
Speaking to the media outside the Supreme Court, Khan expressed his strong opposition to the proposed constitutional package, stating that it is being brought about in a “untimely and inappropriate manner.”
He criticized the proposed amendments, arguing that they are “tantamount to the funeral of the constitution.” He further labeled the lawmakers who voted in favor of the package as “Form 47 MNAs” (referring to the form used for resigning from a political party), suggesting they are easily manipulated and can be coerced into doing the government’s bidding.
Khan emphasized that lawyers reject the amendment bill outright and will launch a movement against it, similar to the one they led against former President Pervez Musharraf. He asserted that the Supreme Court is the highest constitutional court and no other parallel court can be established.
He further stated that lawyers will not allow the government to establish a Federal Constitutional Court, even if it means confronting the government with their own bodies. The movement will begin on September 19th in Lahore High Court.
Khan also expressed his disapproval of any changes to the process of appointing the Chief Justice, demanding that Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s notification as Chief Justice be issued immediately. He declared that lawyers will not accept anyone else as Chief Justice on October 26th, the day Justice Shah is scheduled to take office.
He also emphasizing the power of the legal profession, urging all lawyers across Pakistan to participate in the movement. He vowed to throw the proposed constitutional package into the trash bin.