PTI announces lawyers' movement against likely 27th Amendment

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) - Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader and former National Assembly speaker Asad Qaiser on Sunday announced the launch of a lawyers’ movement against the anticipated 27th Constitutional Amendment, terming it a direct threat to democracy and provincial autonomy.

Addressing a press conference alongside Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair, Qaiser said that the PTI would also hold consultations with legal experts regarding the 26th Amendment, which the party had previously opposed.

Qaiser reaffirmed PTI’s strong opposition to the 26th Amendment, recalling that the party had staged a walkout during its passage in the National Assembly.

“The current system is neither legal, nor constitutional,” he said.

Criticising the disqualification of PTI lawmakers, Qaiser accused the government of turning the National Assembly into a “drama” and claimed it is being “controlled” from behind the scenes.

He also decried the treatment of parliamentarians, particularly their alleged public humiliation outside Adiala Jail and the denial of prison inspection rights.

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“MPs across the world have the privilege to visit prisons — why is that right being denied here?” Qaiser questioned, calling the move unlawful and undemocratic.

Senior PTI leader also tendered public apology over the decision to grant extension to General Qamar Javed Bajwa, calling it the party’s "biggest mistake."

“Extending General Bajwa’s tenure was a grave error, and we apologise to the nation for it,” Qaiser said. He added, “I will never be part of such a decision again in the future.”

Meanwhile, veteran politician Mahmood Khan Achakzai warned that any attempt to change the Constitution would destabilise the country.

“Tampering with the Constitution threatens the very foundation of Pakistan,” he said.

Former Sindh governor Muhammad Zubair said that the people of Pakistan are eager to raise their voices against the prevailing system. He took aim at the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), saying it had completed over three years in power but failed to deliver on its promises.