“Attempts to undo the constitutional amendment will not be accepted,” says PPP Chairman
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stressed that only parliament has the authority to repeal the 26th Constitutional Amendment, warning that any attempt by an institution to annul it would not be tolerated.
Speaking to journalists in Islamabad, Bilawal urged Supreme Court judges to assist one another in their work rather than create obstacles.
He reiterated that the power to repeal the 26th Amendment rests exclusively with parliament.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment, which revised the process for appointing the chief justice, fixed the tenure of the post, and formed constitutional benches, has faced widespread criticism from the opposition and legal circles, with challenges filed in the Supreme Court.
The Sindh Bar Council’s vice chairman also petitioned the apex court to challenge the Amendment Act 2024, arguing that it interferes with judicial independence and the separation of powers.
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan criticized the government over the amendment, claiming it disrupted the judiciary’s structure and compromised the system of transparent justice.
Meanwhile, Bilawal dismissed speculation about joining the federal cabinet. “We are not becoming part of the cabinet,” he stated.
On the issue of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif completing his five-year term, Bilawal responded confidently with “Insha’Allah.”
Discussing geopolitical matters, Bilawal underscored the importance of US-China relations, highlighting that inviting India’s representation alongside China’s was a geopolitical necessity.
“Pakistan’s foreign policy remains strong. Our nuclear assets and missile technology are the legacy of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto,” he remarked.
Addressing Pakistan’s engagement with the United States, Bilawal mentioned his upcoming participation in a breakfast hosted by US President Donald Trump, calling it a tradition dating back to his mother’s tenure.
On the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) amendments, the PPP chairman criticized the government for not consulting media stakeholders.
“If the government had engaged with representatives of the media and digital platforms, the process would have been smoother. Consensus should always precede major decisions,” he noted.
