Pakistan’s opposition plans nationwide protests after Supreme Court judges resign over 27th constitutional amendment

Political tensions in Pakistan escalated sharply on Thursday as the PTI-backed opposition alliance, Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), announced plans for nationwide protests following the resignation of top judges after the passage of the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment. The opposition is mobilizing largely because the amendment establishes a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) that can be used to legally target PTI leaders, including their leader Imran Khan, raising fears of judicial manipulation and a crackdown on political opponents. Critics also warn that the amendment represents a government-level power grab, consolidating authority around Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir.

TTAP held a crucial parliamentary party meeting chaired by Mahmood Khan Achakzai, attended by PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, and several MNAs. The alliance tweeted that the “most important meeting” was underway and “critical decisions are expected.” Qaiser said participants agreed the current government “is not capable of running the country” and warned Pakistan is “on the verge of a civil war.” Achakzai emphasized involving religious groups and organizing protests nationwide on Friday, highlighting the judges’ resignations as a reflection of rising public frustration.

Tensions intensified when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was blocked for the sixth time from meeting Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Afridi questioned the repeated denials and urged the security establishment to focus on national borders instead of political interference. The 27th Constitutional Amendment, signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari on November 13, has sparked widespread concern and is seen as a strategic move by Munir to consolidate power, especially after recent political developments. The National Assembly approved the amendment with a supermajority on November 12, despite some dissenting votes, including objections from Sharif-aligned lawmakers. Analysts suggest the timing reflects a response to recent by-election gains by the Sharif-led coalition, which strengthened civilian influence in Parliament.

The amendment empowers Munir as Chief of Defence Forces, giving him command over the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while granting him lifetime legal immunity. It also gives him indirect control over the judiciary through the FCC, which assumes critical Supreme Court responsibilities, including cases on fundamental rights and constitutional disputes. Following the amendment, two Islamabad High Court judges indicated they would not hear cases in December, amid concerns over judicial independence. By centralizing authority in the Army Chief, potentially above the Prime Minister and Parliament, the amendment has sparked unrest even among Sharif-allied lawmakers and could pave the way for Munir to assume presidential-style powers. With TTAP set to announce its nationwide protest plan, Pakistan faces a volatile political environment, with judicial resignations, parliamentary maneuvering, and public unrest shaping the coming days.