Pakistan's Historic Judicial Amendment: Shaping the Supreme Court's Future

Pakistan's National Assembly passed a controversial judicial amendment bill, capping the chief justice's tenure to three years. The 26th Constitution Amendment Bill, allegedly aimed to reduce the judiciary's powers, was passed despite opposition objections. The law proposes a commission to appoint a chief justice, altering judicial hierarchy.

In an unprecedented move, Pakistan's National Assembly passed a judicial amendment bill that curtails the chief justice's tenure to three years. The decision, reached after heated overnight debate, saw 225 of 336 members favoring the 26th Constitution Amendment Bill.

Despite strong opposition from PTI and SIC, the amendment secured necessary votes in both the National Assembly and the Senate, and now awaits presidential assent. The bill, passed with a two-thirds majority in the Senate, includes provisions for a new commission to appoint the chief justice, breaking the automatic seniority tradition.

Critics argue this change compromises judicial independence, as PTI and others accuse the government of politicizing judiciary appointments. Despite dissent, ruling coalition partners displayed unity, pushing the amendment through legislative hurdles.

(With inputs from agencies.)