In a historic and unprecedented development, Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah have tendered their resignations following the enactment of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday.
The amendment, which has sparked widespread debate, reportedly alters the structure and powers of the judiciary, placing greater control in the hands of the executive. Both senior judges described the move as a serious blow to the independence of the judiciary and the constitutional balance of power.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah denounced the amendment as a “grave assault on the Constitution,” saying it dismantles judicial autonomy and undermines the Supreme Court’s authority.
Justice Athar Minallah echoed similar sentiments, declaring that the “Constitution we swore to uphold is no more,” and labeling the development a betrayal of the public’s trust in the judiciary.
Their resignations have sent shockwaves through Pakistan’s legal and political landscape, raising concerns about the future of judicial independence and the separation of powers. Legal experts warn that the amendment could set a dangerous precedent, weakening the courts’ ability to act as a check on executive overreach.
As the nation reacts, the resignations of these two respected judges mark a defining moment in Pakistan’s constitutional history, one that could reshape the judiciary’s role in governance for years to come.
