A Green Signal from the Bench
Hasanat Malik’s revelation on Saqib Bashir’s YouTube channel suggests that the government sought informal approval from Chief Justice Yahya Afridi before moving ahead with the 27th Constitutional Amendment. His quoted response “Parliament may do whatever it wants” was described as a clear green light, raising questions about how much influence judicial consent carries in parliamentary reforms.
Backing from the Top Judges
Malik argued that without the support of Chief Justice Afridi and Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, neither the 26th nor the 27th Amendment could have been introduced. This claim underscores the judiciary’s pivotal role, not just in interpreting the Constitution, but in shaping the political space for reform itself.
The Supreme Court’s Own Weakness
Perhaps the most provocative point was Malik’s assertion that no external force weakened the Supreme Court. Instead, he suggested the institution undermined itself through its own actions. This remark shifts the debate inward, challenging the perception that outside pressures alone erode judicial independence.
Why It Matters
The comments have sparked debate in legal and political circles, highlighting how constitutional amendments are not merely parliamentary exercises but deeply intertwined with judicial posture. Malik’s critique invites reflection on whether the judiciary is safeguarding its authority or inadvertently diminishing it.