27th Constitutional Amendment a Threat to Judicial Independence: Advocate Afzal Hareefal

**Quetta (Qudrat Daily)** — Member of the Balochistan Bar Council, Advocate Afzal Hareefal, has termed the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment as a direct attack on the independence of the judiciary and the constitutional framework of Pakistan.

In a statement, Hareefal said that the amendment seeks to curtail the powers of the judiciary and bring them under the influence of the executive, thereby disturbing the balance among the three pillars of the state. He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the judiciary’s independence, but the new amendment would place judicial decisions under executive pressure, weakening the justice system.

He further stated that the inclusion of “immunity” in the amendment contradicts both the constitutional principle of equality before the law and Islamic jurisprudence, as no individual or institution can be considered above the law.

Advocate Hareefal urged the legal fraternity, civil society, and pro-constitution political parties to unite against the amendment to safeguard judicial independence and the supremacy of the Constitution. He warned that compromising the judiciary’s independence would inflict irreversible damage on Pakistan’s democratic structure and the fundamental principles of justice.