Bilawal burying grandfather's constitution: Qureshi

PTI leader calls proposed amendment the 'funeral of constitution'

LAHORE:

Former foreign minister and senior PTI leader Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday tore into the government's proposed constitutional amendment, describing it as the "funeral of the constitution".

The PTI leader accused Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari of "burying" the 1973 Constitution, which was drafted by his grandfather, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, through the proposed constitutional tweaks.

Qureshi accused the government of trying to distort the 1973 Constitution by seeking authority over judicial appointments and transfers. "This is a clear attempt to control the judiciary," he asserted.

Speaking to the media after his court appearance, Qureshi praised JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman for his wisdom in handling the situation.

Addressing PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Qureshi said, "Your grandfather was instrumental in the creation of the 1973 Constitution through consensus. You are now undermining his legacy. This amendment is an assault on the independence of the judiciary."

Meanwhile, PTI lawmakers and the legal community issued a stark warning to the government, describing the proposed constitutional package as an attack on the independence of the judiciary, democracy, and the rule of law.

PTI leader Ijaz Chaudhry stressed that Maulana was the only leader capable of stopping the government's effort if he chose to oppose what he called the "current regime's cruelty."

Dr Yasmeen Rashid echoed the sentiments, calling the government's actions an outright attack on the independence of the judiciary.