SC adjourns 18th amendment hearing

The Supreme Court (SC) adjourned the hearing of petitions challenging various clauses of the 18th amendment on Tuesday.

Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry observed that amendments violating the basic structure of the constitution can be struck down.

Advocate Ibrahim Satti argued that the court cannot review constitutional amendments.

Government counsel Advocate Sardar Ghazi said the judicial commission was designed to ensure independence of the judiciary.

At this, Justice Javed Iqbal said there is no need to change the system if the current judiciary is independent.

In reply, Advocate Ghazi said the nation has mandated the parliament to amend the constitution.