Balochistan: Lawyers Protest Against 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments
SHAAL, BALOCHISTAN: The Quetta Bar Association organised a strong protest at the Judicial Complex today against the proposed 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, declaring them a serious threat to the Constitution’s spirit, democratic values, judicial independence, and citizens’ fundamental rights.
The protest was led by senior lawyer and prominent political figure Ali Ahmad Kurd, who addressed the gathering of lawyers, condemning the amendments and leading chants against them. Kurd, a well-known advocate for judicial independence and democratic rights, emphasised that the proposed changes violated the core principles of the Constitution and undermined its integrity.
Protesters, including a large number of lawyers, carried placards and banners denouncing the amendments as detrimental to the balance of power between state institutions. They argued that the amendments would grant disproportionate power to certain institutions, thereby weakening the system of constitutional checks and balances in Pakistan.
Speaking to the media, Ali Ahmad Kurd warned that these amendments could severely damage Pakistan’s democratic structure. He expressed concern that the proposed changes would disrupt the separation of powers and lead to institutional disharmony, ultimately undermining the foundation of the country’s democracy. “These amendments not only violate the basic principles of the Constitution but also weaken its very essence,” he said.
The legal community in Quetta and beyond voiced their opposition to the amendments, urging the government to reconsider the proposed changes. They argued that such amendments, which could alter the fundamental structure of the Constitution, must not be introduced without a broad national consensus and transparent debate.
The protesting lawyers also issued a direct call to the government to withdraw the amendments immediately and engage in meaningful consultations with legal experts, democratic stakeholders, and civil society. “Any changes that affect the fundamental structure of our Constitution must be done through broad national consultation,” said Kurd.
In a show of solidarity, the protesters appealed to the public, civil society, and political parties to stand with them in defending the Constitution and upholding the rule of law. “We are not just fighting for our rights as lawyers, but for the rights of every citizen and the future of democracy in Pakistan.”
The lawyers also made it clear that if their demands were not met, they would continue their protest movement across Balochistan. “We will not rest until these amendments are withdrawn and meaningful consultation takes place,” warned Ali Ahmad Kurd.
The protest highlights growing concerns within Pakistan’s legal community regarding the potential impact of the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments on the country’s democratic institutions and the balance of power between state authorities.
