LAHORE(National times)- The Lahore High Court (LHC) has constituted a full bench to hear multiple petitions challenging the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Chief Justice Aalia Neelum approved the formation of a three-member full bench, appointing Justice Sadaqat Ali Khan as the head of the bench. Justice Jawad Hassan and Justice Sultan Tanveer will serve as its members. The petitions have named the Prime Minister and the Speaker of the National Assembly as respondents through their respective secretaries. According to the petitioners, the 27th Amendment undermines the original jurisdiction of the Supreme Court by introducing a new Federal Constitutional Court. They argue that the amendment threatens to weaken the Supreme Court’s status and jeopardize judicial independence.

 Petition filed in LHC challenging 27th Constitutional Amendment

The petitions further contend that the amendment violates Islamic provisions, judicial autonomy, and fundamental rights. It is claimed that the move alters the constitutional structure without consulting the provinces, and was introduced without seeking input from lawyers, civil society, journalists, or other key stakeholders. The petitioners have requested the LHC to strike down the 27th Constitutional Amendment and to suspend its implementation until a final verdict is issued.