Pakistan’s Supreme Court Judge Pushed Aside by Military-Backed Government After Rushed Judicial Reforms
Pakistan’s Supreme Court Faces Turmoil as Military-Backed Government Pushes Judicial Reforms
In a shocking turn of events, Pakistan’s Supreme Court is in the midst of a power struggle as the military-backed government rushed through controversial judicial reforms this week. The judge next in line to lead the court was sidelined, sparking outrage and accusations of a power grab.
The government pushed through constitutional amendments in the early hours of Monday, granting lawmakers the authority to select top judges. The move was justified as a way to bring the judiciary in line, but critics argue it is a blatant attempt to curb the court’s independence and political influence.
The amendments, kept secret until the last minute, also give the government increased representation in the judicial commission responsible for appointing, assessing, and removing top judges. New benches focused on constitutional issues will be formed, further complicating the legal battle between the government and opposition leader Imran Khan.
The timing of the reforms, just before the retirement of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, has raised suspicions. His replacement, Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, was sidelined in favor of another judge, leading to concerns about political interference in judicial appointments.
Human rights groups and legal experts have condemned the reforms, warning that they could undermine the independence of the judiciary and threaten civil liberties. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the amendments for lacking broad consultation and debate.
The Supreme Court’s history of influencing Pakistan’s political landscape has long been a point of contention. The court’s recent decisions in favor of opposition leaders have irked the establishment, leading to fears of judicial overreach.
As the judiciary grapples with these reforms, the future of Pakistan’s legal system hangs in the balance. The government’s efforts to control the court have sparked a fierce debate over the separation of powers and the rule of law in the country.
