ISLAMABAD – Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has declared the launch of a nationwide lawyers’ movement opposing the anticipated 27th Constitutional Amendment, warning that it poses a serious threat to Pakistan’s democratic principles.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair Umar, Qaiser criticised the government for revisiting the proposed amendment despite last month’s categorical denial of any such move. Reports have suggested the amendment could impact provincial autonomy — a matter the PTI vows to resist.
Qaiser confirmed that the PTI would also seek legal consultation on the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which the party firmly opposed last year. The Imran Khan-founded party even staged a walkout during the October 2024 National Assembly session when the bill was passed.
“The current governance system is neither legal, constitutional, nor democratic,” Qaiser asserted, pledging that the opposition alliance would use every available platform to challenge political oppression and injustice. He revealed that a detailed month-long schedule of protest activities had already been finalised.
The ex-speaker also condemned the disqualification of PTI lawmakers, alleging that the National Assembly has been “reduced to a drama” under external influence. He criticised restrictions on parliamentarians visiting Adiala Jail, claiming they are humiliated outside the facility and denied their right to inspect prison conditions — a right enshrined in parliamentary norms worldwide.
“All key decisions today are being made under administrative pressure,” Qaiser said, demanding that the cases of PTI founder Imran Khan and other political prisoners be heard and resolved purely on merit.
Mahmood Khan Achakzai warned that altering the Constitution would destabilise the very foundations of the state, while Muhammad Zubair argued that public dissatisfaction with the current system is widespread. He also dismissed past claims that Pakistan was on the verge of default, calling them politically motivated and untrue.
