The All Pakistan Lawyers Action Committee (APLAC), during a meeting held on 18 November at Dr. Javed Iqbal Auditorium of the Lahore High Court Bar, unanimously rejected the 26th and 27th Constitutional Amendments and passed a historic resolution.
The Committee reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the original form of the 1973 Constitution and declared the separation of powers, judicial independence, rule of law, and civilian supremacy as immutable pillars. Declaring the current Parliament illegitimate, the resolution termed the amendments “above the Constitution,” an attack on the judiciary, and a destruction of the constitutional framework.
The so-called Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) was declared completely unconstitutional and rejected. Anyone joining it will be considered a traitor to the Constitution and the people. With bar leadership consultation, a comprehensive strategy for the court’s total boycott will be devised.
The blanket immunity granted to the President and Armed Forces Commanders under the 27th Amendment was declared a violation of both the Constitution and Islamic principles. Amendments to Article 243 were described as dangerous to national security.
The resignations of Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Athar Minallah, and Justice Shams Mahmood Mirza were commended. The Committee condemned the use of anti-terrorism FIRs against lawyers and media.
Bar associations nationwide were instructed to hold General House meetings and rallies on Thursday. Provincial action committees will be established in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. Sub-committees will be formed to engage civil society, students, political parties, and international organizations.
Conventions will be held in major cities including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Islamabad, with a single objective: “Restoration of the original 1973 Constitution and nullification of the 26th and 27th Amendments.”
Serious reservations were also expressed over corporate farming in Sindh and South Punjab, as well as the PECA amendments, describing them as attacks on farmers’ rights, freedom of expression, and provincial autonomy.
The resolution bears the signature of Sardar Shahbaz Ali Khosa (Secretary/Coordinator APLAC).
This resolution is expected to further intensify the ongoing strikes and protests by lawyers across the country.
