Legal fraternity warns Constitution’s core structure under threat at SHCBA moot
Lawyers at a convention held by the SHCBA in Karachi criticised recent constitutional amendments and voiced concern over judicial independence. Several speakers also objected to the transfer of high court judges.
KARACHI: The legal fraternity on Monday voiced strong concerns over recent constitutional amendments, with speakers at a convention organised by the Sindh High Court Bar Association (SHCBA) warning that the changes had undermined constitutional supremacy and the rule of law.
Lawyers from across the country gathered at the Sindh High Court premises for the convention, where senior members of the bar criticised what they described as fundamental alterations to the 1973 Constitution.
Senior lawyer Hamid Khan alleged that legislation was increasingly being shaped to benefit the elite and claimed the Constitution had been “defaced” by those who originally framed it. He also questioned past judicial actions and criticised what he termed retaliation against the judiciary.
Former Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Munir A. Malik said the leadership of the 2007 lawyers’ movement stood in support of the current bar leadership, urging lawyers to remain steadfast and continue public engagement.
Several speakers, including Akhtar Hussain, argued that the recent amendments were inconsistent with the Constitution’s basic structure and warned of their implications for judicial independence. Concerns were also raised over judicial appointments and broader governance issues.
PTI Secretary General and senior lawyer Salman Akram Raja criticised the political system, alleging that recent developments had undermined the public mandate expressed in the 2024 general elections.
Other speakers, including former SCBA presidents Ali Ahmed Kurd and Abid Zuberi, highlighted the historical role of the legal fraternity in defending judicial independence and warned of further institutional changes, including potential restructuring of the superior judiciary.
Concerns were also raised over transfers of judges between high courts, with speakers questioning the implications for judicial autonomy.
The convention concluded with calls for upholding the rule of law, safeguarding constitutional principles and ensuring transparency in judicial and legislative processes.
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