Bilawal burying grandfather’s constitution: Shah Mahmood Qureshi

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi has accused Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of "burying" the 1973 constitution, which was drafted by his grandfather, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, through the proposed constitutional amendments.

In an informal conversation with media representatives, Qureshi strongly criticised the proposed amendments, calling them an attack on the judiciary’s independence.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged all political parties to carefully examine the draft and engage in open debate before proceeding with any amendments.

"Constitutional amendments are a serious matter, and rushing them through is inappropriate," he said, adding that the draft had been kept hidden from the political parties but would soon be revealed in the assembly.

The PTI leader also praised Maulana Fazlur Rehman for exercising caution and not succumbing to pressure regarding the proposed amendments.

"He knows that amendments are not made hastily, and I commend him for his approach," Mahmood added.

Expressing concerns about the government’s haste, Mahmood highlighted that over 50 amendments had been proposed.

"Why the urgency?" he asked, pointing out that the legal community had already expressed opposition to the changes. According to him, these amendments are akin to "burying the constitution."

Shah Mahmood Qureshi also criticised the government’s attempt to gain control over judicial appointments and transfers, arguing that this move would alter the essence of the 1973 constitution. "This is a clear attack on the judiciary’s freedom, and altering the constitution in this way is unconstitutional."

He further warned that if floor crossing were allowed, Parliament would become a "marketplace."

Highlighting that Parliament remains incomplete without PTI’s reserved seats, he questioned the legitimacy of pushing such significant amendments through a "partial" legislative body.

Shah Mahmood Qureshi concluded by sending a direct message to Bilawal Bhutto, "Your grandfather drafted the 1973 constitution by consensus. Now, you are burying that same constitution," he said.