POLITICS & POLICY MAKING
Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan has expressed strong disapproval of the voters who supported the 26th constitutional amendment, labeling them as "traitors." Speaking from Adiala Jail, where he is currently incarcerated, Khan indicated that his party intends to play an active role in the newly formed judges' appointment commission as part of its response to the amendment.
During discussions with party leaders and journalists, Khan noted that PTI's political and parliamentary committees convened recently to address the implications of the amendment. He stated, "I am not taking anyone's name, but voters betrayed the amendment."
The PTI has resolved to participate in the judges' appointment commission established under the controversial 26th amendment. In a meeting of the political committee, it was agreed to nominate members from parliament for the commission. The final names for the opposition members in the Judges Appointment Commission will be announced after receiving approval from Khan.
Earlier, PTI had announced its intention to challenge the 26th constitutional amendment in the Supreme Court. Concerns were raised regarding how members voted during the committee meeting on the appointment of the Chief Justice. The party held a parliamentary party meeting chaired by opposition leader Umar Ayub, where the decision to engage with the Judicial Commission was approved alongside plans for a nationwide protest movement.
The current National Assembly session has seen discussions around the 26th Amendment and the overall political climate in Pakistan. A legal strategy to pursue political cases against Khan was also reviewed, with assurances that protests against his unjust imprisonment would continue.
In the National Assembly, former Speaker Asad Qaiser echoed Khan's sentiments, highlighting the lack of representation for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the Senate and asserting that the 26th amendment undermines democracy. He condemned any discussions about a potential 27th amendment, vowing to resist any such efforts through protests and rallies.
Addressing the ongoing 190 million-pound case against him, Khan reaffirmed his trust in the appointment of the new Chief Justice, Yahya Afridi, while condemning the 26th amendment as a betrayal of the country. He reiterated that the amendments serve to protect a "stolen mandate." When questioned about potential divisions within the party, Khan stated, "I don't know what happened. I will take a report on it."