Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has strongly criticised the 27th Constitutional Amendment, alleging that it subordinates the judiciary to the executive, leaving the public with no effective avenue for justice.
Speaking to the media outside the court on Tuesday, Qaiser said the amendment offered nothing for the people. “The courts have been placed under the control of the administration. Now, people will have to wander door to door for justice. Only Allah’s court is left,” he remarked.
He questioned the implications of the amendment on judicial independence, stating, “If a judge from Peshawar is transferred to Islamabad or Punjab, how will he work, and what will he think?” He also alleged coercion in the passage of the amendment, claiming that “two senators were pressured” to secure approval.
The former speaker said the 18th Amendment was passed with consensus among all political parties, whereas the 27th Amendment lacked such agreement. He added that the 1973 Constitution was a “gift” from Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, but “Bilawal Bhutto has buried his grandfather’s legacy” by supporting the amendment. Qaiser also criticised Aimal Wali Khan, saying he too backed the amendment. He said Saifullah Abro had been expelled from PTI and would face disciplinary action.
Commenting on the upcoming peace jirga, Qaiser said jirgas were part of local tradition and should include all schools of thought. Referring to strained relations with Afghanistan, he said wide-ranging consultation was essential, expressing hope that all political parties would participate in the jirga.
Earlier, a two-member bench of the Peshawar High Court, comprising Justice Syed Arshad Ali and Justice Muhammad Faheem Wali, heard Qaiser’s petition seeking details of cases registered against him. The court approved the petition and restrained authorities from arresting him in any case, while seeking reports from concerned parties.
