Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Pakistan Supreme Court Judges Resign Over 27th Amendment
Imagine Pakistan has a rulebook called the Constitution, which sets up how the country is run.
Two very important judges from Pakistan's top court, the Supreme Court, were very unhappy with a new rule, the 27th Amendment.
They felt this new rule was like a big attack on the rulebook itself.
They said it weakened their court and took away its independence, making it easier for the government to influence them.
Because they felt they could no longer protect the Constitution properly, they decided to quit their jobs.
The President accepted their resignations.
The government, however, thinks the judges' worries are not valid and are more about politics than the law.
Two Supreme Court justices, Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, resigned in Pakistan following the enactment of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Both judges described the amendment as a 'grave assault' on the constitution and 'undemocratic.'
Justice Shah stated the amendment 'dismantles the Supreme Court, compromises judicial independence and weakens the country’s constitutional democracy.'
The judges argued that the amendment placed the judiciary under executive influence and diminished the Supreme Court's authority.
Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari accepted the resignations, while the government dismissed the judges' concerns as 'political speeches'.
- Who
- Pakistan Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari, the federal government.
- What
- Two Supreme Court justices resigned after expressing strong opposition to the newly passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a 'grave assault' on the constitution and a threat to judicial independence. President Zardari accepted their resignations.
- When
- The resignations were approved by President Zardari on November 14, 2025, shortly after the 27th Constitutional Amendment was enacted into law.
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- The judges resigned because they believed the 27th Amendment was a fundamental attack on the constitution, undermining the Supreme Court's authority, compromising judicial independence, and weakening democratic principles. The government deemed their concerns 'political speeches'.
Judges' Concerns
Government's Stance
Impact of 27th Amendment on Constitution and Judiciary
Judges' Concerns
Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah view the 27th Amendment as a "grave assault on the Constitution" and "undemocratic." Justice Shah stated it "dismantles the Supreme Court, compromises judicial independence and weakens the country’s constitutional democracy." They argue it places the judiciary under executive influence, leaves the Supreme Court "truncated and diminished," and signifies "the beginning of the end" for judicial independence. Justice Minallah believes the Constitution he swore to defend "no longer exists."
Government's Stance
The federal government dismissed the judges' resignations as "political speeches" and their allegations as "unconstitutional." They have not provided a detailed public rationale for their view on the amendment itself, but by accepting the resignations, they are moving forward with the new law.
Enactment Process of the Amendment
Judges' Concerns
Justice Shah stated the amendment was passed "without debate or consultation."
Government's Stance
The government proceeded with enacting the amendment despite the judges' opposition and, according to Justice Shah, lack of debate and consultation.
- Amendment Name
- 27th Constitutional Amendment
- Judges Resigned
- Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, Justice Athar Minallah
- President Who Approved Resignations
- Asif Ali Zardari
- Date of Resignation Approval
- November 14, 2025
- Key Concerns Raised
- Grave assault on constitution, dismantling Supreme Court, compromising judicial independence, weakening democracy, executive influence over judiciary.
- Government's Response to Resignations
- Dismissed as 'political speeches' and 'unconstitutional' allegations.
Sources
‘Pakistan SC’s voice muted’: 2 senior judges resign over new 27th Amendment
Two Pakistan Supreme Court judges quit hours after President signs 27th Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan swears in first Chief Justice of Federal Constitutional Court after amendment
Pakistan’s top court meets after two judges quit in protest at ‘grave assault’ on constitution
Pakistan’s 27th constitutional amendment bloodless coup against civilian authority
Pakistan Supreme Court calls meeting of all judges after parliament passes constitutional amendment
How 27th Amendment cements Pakistan Army’s stranglehold over power
