Islamabad: In a dramatic development, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah have resigned from the Supreme Court of Pakistan following the government’s approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s Resignation
Justice Shah submitted a 13-page resignation letter, describing the amendment as “a grave attack on the Constitution of Pakistan”. He argued that the amendment had fragmented the Supreme Court and subordinated the judiciary to the government, striking at the very spirit of constitutional democracy.
He wrote that he had served the institution with honor and integrity, and that his conscience was clear. Shah emphasized that the amendment had pushed the judiciary decades backward by undermining its independence, leaving justice distant from ordinary citizens and powerless against the strong.
In his words, the amendment had “dealt a severe blow to the Supreme Court and constitutional democracy, making the judiciary subservient to the government.”
Justice Athar Minallah’s Resignation
Justice Athar Minallah also stepped down, echoing concerns about the judiciary’s role under the new amendment. In earlier correspondence, he had warned that the Supreme Court was sometimes used as a tool of unelected elites to suppress public opinion, and stressed that the judiciary must remain independent to preserve public trust.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment introduces significant changes, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court. According to reports, Justice Ameenuddin Khan is expected to be appointed as its Chief Justice.
Critics argue that this new court could dilute the authority of the Supreme Court, while supporters claim it will help manage constitutional cases more efficiently.