ISLAMABAD, November 8: A petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Friday challenging what the petitioner described as “attempts to curtail the constitutional jurisdiction of the superior judiciary,” allegedly through the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The plea, filed by Barrister Ali Tahir, argues that the reported amendment seeks to establish separate “constitutional courts” and alter or transfer the existing powers of the Supreme Court and high courts under Articles 184(3) and 199 of the Constitution. These provisions define the superior judiciary’s original and writ jurisdictions.
A petition was filed in the Supreme Court on Friday to challenge the “attempts to do away with the constitutional jurisdiction of the superior judiciary”, apparently by means of a 27th Constitutional Amendment.https://t.co/MWhxedqv4A
— Dawn.com (@dawn_com) November 7, 2025
The Federation of Pakistan, the Senate chairperson, and the National Assembly speaker have been cited as respondents in the petition.
According to the petition, any such amendment would “fundamentally alter the constitutional framework, destroy judicial independence, violate the separation of powers, and extinguish citizens’ right of access to justice.” It urged the apex court to declare that the jurisdictions of the Supreme Court and high courts are “essential, inviolable, and non-amendable” features of the Constitution.
Barrister Tahir requested the court to restrain all state organs — including the federal government and Parliament — from initiating or processing any bill that would limit or transfer the judiciary’s constitutional powers. He also asked that the court suspend any parliamentary discussions or votes related to the proposed amendment until the case is decided.
The petition further contended that any amendment leading to the subordination of the judiciary to the executive or legislature would be “void ab initio” and contrary to the supremacy of the Constitution.
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The petitioner urged the Supreme Court to affirm its role as the “ultimate guardian of the Constitution” and to ensure that judicial independence remains protected during the pendency of the case.
The proposed 27th Amendment has generated wide debate in recent days amid speculation that it could redefine the balance of powers between state institutions and alter key features of the judicial system.
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