Barrister Gohar criticises presidential immunity, vows to restore chief justice’s position

ISLAMABAD: A new political showdown is brewing as the opposition parties have vowed to launch nationwide protests following the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill by the National Assembly on Wednesday.

The amendment, which cleared the House with a two-thirds majority, is being hailed by the government as a move to “clarify constitutional ambiguities” related to the post of the chief justice. However, the opposition has called it a deliberate effort to curtail judicial independence and consolidate executive control.

Government Secures Victory in Parliament

The bill was passed amid heavy debate and division within the House.
Out of the total members present, 234 voted in favour, while four voted against. The session, chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, marked the conclusion of clause-by-clause approval of the proposed amendment, which had stirred political tension for weeks.

The government maintained that the amendment was necessary to remove confusion over judicial appointments and powers, framing it as a step toward constitutional clarity.

Achakzai Announces Nationwide Protest

Shortly after the bill’s passage, Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) Chairman Mehmood Khan Achakzai, flanked by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, addressed a fiery news conference.

Achakzai declared that the opposition would take the protest to the streets, saying,

“We will create obstacles for the government by using the power of the people.”

He accused the ruling coalition of bypassing democratic norms and vowed to mobilise citizens nationwide in defence of constitutional balance.

According to Achakzai, the government’s actions have “undermined judicial freedom” and “betrayed public trust.”

Barrister Gohar Slams Presidential Immunity

Joining the criticism, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan lamented the continuation of presidential immunity, questioning its relevance in a democratic setup.

He said,

“The people will not respect those who hide behind immunity. We will restore the position of the chief justice if we get representation in the parliament.”

Gohar recalled that during the 26th Amendment, PTI had expelled five of its members for voting in favour of the government-backed bill, signalling the party’s zero-tolerance policy toward internal dissent.

Opposition’s Unified Front

The joint press conference signaled growing coordination among opposition parties. Political observers believe the opposition bloc, comprising PTI, PkMAP, and several smaller groups, plans to escalate public mobilisation across the provinces in the coming weeks.

The opposition claims the amendment is part of a broader pattern of executive interference in judicial matters. Analysts, however, note that the government’s narrative of “constitutional clarification” may appeal to moderates seeking stability in governance.

What Lies Ahead

As the political climate intensifies, the 27th Amendment has become a flashpoint between the government and opposition. The coming days are expected to bring nationwide rallies, legal challenges, and renewed debate over the limits of presidential and judicial powers.

For now, both sides appear unwilling to compromise, setting the stage for yet another chapter in Pakistan’s enduring constitutional struggle.