'How could they even think of presenting the amendment bill while we are here': K-P CM Gandapur

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur, commenting on the constitutional amendment bill,  has said "far from bringing about an amendment, how could they even think of presenting a bill [over it] while we are here."

Speaking to the media after addressing the Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Conference, Ali Amin Gandapur called the bill as 'an attack on democracy' that his government will not allow to succeed.

He added that  that those pushing for such legislation 'should be ashamed.'

Gandapur stated that attempts to introduce such a bill would face staunch opposition, both in Parliament and through judicial means.

The Chief Minister pledged to use all constitutional rights to ensure that no one would have the courage to propose such legislation.

In addition to his remarks on the bill, Ali Amin Gandapur attended the Rahmatul-lil-Alameen Conference held for the first time at the provincial level during Rabi-ul-Awwal.

The conference, which took place in Peshawar to mark Eid Milad-un-Nabi, saw participation from elected officials, government representatives, and scholars from various backgrounds.

During his address, Ali Amin Gandapur praised the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as a source of guidance and justice.

He highlighted the importance of following the Prophet’s example and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing religious education and promoting peace.

He also reflected on the teachings of Islam and the legacy of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party’s founding leader, Imran Khan, in advocating for the respect and dignity of the Prophet.

In addition to this, a petition challenging the government’s proposed constitutional amendment has been filed in the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The petition, submitted by prominent lawyers including Abid Zuberi, Shafqat Mehmood Chauhan, Shahab Sarki, Ishtiaq Ahmed Khan, and Munir Kakar, calls for the proposed amendment to be declared unconstitutional.

The petitioners argue that the amendments are a direct violation of the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence, which are fundamental to the Constitution of Pakistan.

The petition calls on the Supreme Court to block the federal government from proceeding with the constitutional amendment and to declare it null and void.

The petition also emphasises that the judiciary's independence and powers are sacred and cannot be tampered with by Parliament.

It further claims that the proposed amendments would infringe upon judicial authority, thereby undermining the functioning of the judiciary.

In the petition, the federal government, all four provinces, the National Assembly, the Senate, and other stakeholders have been made respondents.

The petitioners are urging the Supreme Court to safeguard judicial independence and prevent any changes that could compromise the separation of powers.