Pakistan's Contentious Judicial Amendment Bill Passes with Presidential Assent

Pakistan's National Assembly approved a controversial judicial amendment bill that caps the chief justice's tenure to three years. The bill secured a two-thirds majority in the Senate and 225 votes in the National Assembly. President Zardari's assent made it law amid strong opposition claims of judicial politicization.

Amid fierce debate and sweeping opposition criticism, Pakistan's National Assembly passed a contentious judicial amendment bill early Monday morning. The legislation, which limits the tenure of the chief justice to three years, has been met with significant dissent from opposition members, who argue it undermines judicial independence.

The 26th Constitution Amendment Bill, which passed the Senate with a two-thirds majority, was approved after overnight discussions in the National Assembly. It was subsequently signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari, despite opposition from parties, such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which outright condemned the move.

Critics, including PTI leader Hammad Azhar, labeled the amendment a blow to judicial autonomy, suggesting that its passage represents an encroachment of political influence on the judiciary. Despite opposition claims of coercion and absent voting rights, ruling coalition members, led by the Pakistan People's Party, ensured the bill's passage with broad consensus.