The Lawyers Action Committee Pakistan has launched a nationwide protest movement from Peshawar against the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments, arguing that the amendments have weakened judicial independence and undermined constitutional rights.
Speaking at a press conference at the Peshawar Press Club on Monday, Lawyers Action Committee Chairman Ali Ahmad Kurd announced the formal start of the campaign.
According to Kurd, the movement began from the historic Qissa Khwani Bazaar, where lawyers distributed awareness pamphlets among members of the public to explain their concerns regarding the constitutional amendments.
Kurd criticized the government’s legislative priorities, saying constitutional amendments were being introduced while millions of Pakistanis continued to face poverty, inflation, and economic hardship.
He further alleged that the amendments had reduced judicial independence, weakened public confidence in the justice system, and affected the constitutional role of the judiciary.
The senior lawyer also expressed concern over what he described as growing restrictions on freedom of expression and press freedom, alleging that new laws were being enacted to suppress dissenting voices. He praised the media’s role during the 2007 Lawyers’ Movement, saying its contribution to the restoration of the judiciary would always be remembered.
Referring to the legal proceedings involving former Prime Minister Imran Khan, Kurd questioned the pace of the trials and said the legal process had raised serious concerns.
He reiterated that the Lawyers Action Committee would continue its movement to safeguard the Constitution, judicial independence, and fundamental rights.
Speaking on the occasion, Lawyers Action Committee spokesperson Naumanuddin Advocate said the first phase of the campaign had commenced with the distribution of awareness pamphlets in Qissa Khwani Bazaar.
The event was also attended by Vice Chairman Ali Zaman Khan, Peshawar Bar Association General Secretary Zaidullah Khan, and a large number of lawyers.
The government’s response to the allegations made during the press conference was not immediately available.
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