President Asif Ali Zardari has accepted the resignations of Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, who stepped down following the approval of the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Both judges condemned the amendment as a “grave assault on the Constitution,” warning that it weakens judicial independence and threatens the democratic structure of the country. In their resignation letters, they raised serious concerns about the growing influence of the executive branch over the judiciary, calling it a direct challenge to the rule of law.
Their resignations represent a rare and significant act of protest from the highest level of Pakistan’s judiciary. By voluntarily stepping down, the judges signaled their unwillingness to remain part of a system where judicial authority is undermined. Legal analysts believe that this move could spark important debate over the balance of power and the system of checks and balances in Pakistan.
A full court meeting was held today, although the 27th Amendment was reportedly not discussed. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the judges, suggesting they resigned only after losing what he referred to as their “monopoly.” His remarks have fueled further public discussion about ongoing tensions between the judiciary and the executive.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment has triggered nationwide debate—supporters argue it enhances governmental oversight, while critics warn that it threatens judicial independence and concentrates power dangerously.
The resignations of Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah have heightened public and political scrutiny, transforming the amendment into a central issue in current debates on Pakistan’s democratic framework and separation of powers.
These developments underscore growing concerns regarding governance, accountability, and the autonomy of key state institutions in Pakistan.
