Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Pakistan Supreme Court Judges Resign After Controversial Amendment Enacted
Imagine Pakistan's top judges are like guardians of a rulebook called the Constitution.
Recently, a new rule was added, which some people think is really bad.
This new rule creates a brand new court that is even higher than the Supreme Court for certain kinds of cases, especially those involving the military.
Two of the top judges felt this new rule was so bad that it broke the original rulebook and took away the Supreme Court's important powers.
They felt they couldn't be guardians of a broken rulebook anymore.
So, they decided to quit their jobs to show how unhappy they are.
They believe this change makes the judges less independent and gives too much power to the government.
They think this change is so serious that it damages the country's democracy.
Two Pakistan Supreme Court Judges, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ather Minallah, have resigned.
Their resignations followed the enactment of the 27th Constitutional Amendment after President Zaradari's assent on Thursday, November 13.
The amendment establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional, military, and national security cases, superseding the Supreme Court's authority in these areas.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah described the amendment as a 'grave assault on the Constitution,' dismantling the Supreme Court and subjugating the judiciary.
Justice Ather Minallah stated that the Constitution he swore to uphold was 'no more,' and the new framework was a 'mere shadow.'
- Who
- Pakistan Supreme Court Judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ather Minallah
- What
- Resigned from their positions following the enactment of the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment, which establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court.
- When
- Thursday, November 13 (enactment of amendment and resignations)
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- The judges cited the amendment as a 'grave assault on the Constitution,' dismantling the Supreme Court and subjugating the judiciary to executive control, thereby undermining judicial independence.
Supporters of the 27th Amendment
Critics of the 27th Amendment
Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court
Supporters of the 27th Amendment
The amendment establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) that will handle constitutional, military, and national security cases.
Critics of the 27th Amendment
The creation of the FCC is seen as a grave assault on the Constitution, dismantling the Supreme Court and subjugating the judiciary to executive control.
Judicial Independence
Supporters of the 27th Amendment
The amendment is framed as a necessary measure to address specific types of cases.
Critics of the 27th Amendment
The amendment is viewed as crippling judicial independence and integrity by fracturing the unity of the nation's apex court and undermining its foundational principles.
The Fate of the Constitution
Supporters of the 27th Amendment
The changes are presented as laying new foundations for the nation's legal framework.
Critics of the 27th Amendment
Judges resigning believe the original Constitution is no longer in effect, with the new framework being a mere shadow that does not reflect its spirit or the will of the people.
- Amendment Number
- 27th Constitutional Amendment
- Presidential Assent
- Thursday, November 13
- Bill Passage Dates
- Senate: November 10; National Assembly: November 13
- Key Change
- Establishment of a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC)
- FCC Jurisdiction
- Constitutional, military, and national security cases
- Resigning Judges
- Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Ather Minallah
Sources
Military rule 2.0: Pakistan enacts 27th Amendment; Army Chief gains lifelong Immunity and expanded powers
Pakistan Army Chief gets lifelong immunity in new constitutional amendment
Pakistan parliament approves more powers for army chief, curbs top court
Pakistan’s National Assembly passes 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill
Pakistan Parliament set to pass 27th constitutional amendment on military, judicial reforms
Pakistan grants army chief new powers and lifelong immunity in sweeping constitutional overhaul
‘Funeral for democracy’: Pakistan parliament grants lifelong immunity and sweeping powers to army chief Munir
Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment triggers alarm: Army Chief set to gain unified command and lifelong immunity
Asim Munir gets expanded powers and lifelong immunity under Pakistan’s new amendment
Pak army chief Asim Munir to become Chief of Defence Forces
Trump's "Favourite Field Marshal" Asim Munir Gains More Powers
‘Trump’s favourite Field Marshal’: Kanwal Sibal on Asim Munir’s rise as Pakistan’s 'real ruler'
Pakistan Grants Lifetime Immunity To Army Chief Asim Munir
As Terror Rears Its Head Again In India,
Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill now law: How it makes Asim Munir more powerful, weakens Supreme Court
Pak President gives assent to controversial 27th Amendment which seeks to grant sweeping powers to Field Marshal Asim Munir
Asim Munir In Office Till 2030: How Changes In Pakistan's Army Acts Centralises Military Authority
DC Edit | In Pak, Munir Gets Freer Hand
