POLITICS & POLICY MAKING

KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur Rejects Constitutional Amendment, Vows Nationwide Protests

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has rejected the constitutional amendment, calling it an attack on judicial independence. He vows to lead protests across Pakistan to reclaim their mandate.
2024-10-22
KP CM Ali Amin Gandapur Rejects Constitutional Amendment, Vows Nationwide Protests

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has strongly condemned the recently passed 26th constitutional amendment, calling it an "attack on the independence of the judiciary." In a bold statement to the media, Gandapur pledged to lead nationwide protests against the amendment, warning that the entire country would be brought to a standstill.

 

Speaking with reporters, the chief minister stated, "We do not accept this constitutional amendment. This time, people from all over Pakistan will come out to protest against it." Gandapur's comments come amid growing opposition from political leaders and parties who argue that the amendment undermines judicial autonomy.

 

Protest Against Constitutional Amendment

The chief minister emphasized that the protests would not be limited to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but would spread nationwide, aiming to pressure the federal government into reversing the amendment. "We will block the entire country in protest. This fight will continue until we rid ourselves of this government and reclaim our mandate," he said.

 

Gandapur also issued a stern warning to party members who voted in favor of the amendment, announcing that they would be expelled from the party. "Cowards have no place in the party. We will not tolerate those who go against the will of the people and the party's stance on such critical issues," he added.

 

Attack on Judiciary and National Security Concerns

Gandapur linked the current security challenges in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the change in government, accusing the ruling coalition of failing to maintain the stability achieved under Imran Khan's tenure. "Terrorism had ended during Imran Khan’s regime. But as soon as this new government came into power through a conspiracy, the situation in our province, and across Pakistan, deteriorated," he claimed.

 

The chief minister further argued that the deteriorating security situation was directly related to the constitutional amendment, which he described as an attempt to centralize power and weaken Pakistan’s independent institutions, including the judiciary.

 

Background of the 26th Constitutional Amendment

The controversial 26th constitutional amendment, passed by Pakistan’s Parliament, has introduced several changes to the judicial appointment process, including how the Chief Justice of Pakistan is selected. The amendment has sparked criticism from opposition parties and legal experts, who argue that it threatens judicial independence.

 

Proponents of the amendment, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, have defended it as a necessary step toward judicial reform and improving the efficiency of Pakistan’s legal system. However, the opposition, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and other political factions, remains vehemently opposed, calling it a violation of the separation of powers.

 

Call for Nationwide Mobilization

Gandapur’s call for nationwide protests adds to the growing momentum against the amendment. He called on Pakistanis to unite in defense of judicial independence and to oppose what he termed as an attempt to undermine the democratic foundations of the country.

 

"Our protest is not just for KP, it is for all of Pakistan. The people will come out to defend their rights, and we will not stop until this amendment is reversed," Gandapur vowed.

 

The chief minister's statements have added fuel to the already charged political atmosphere, setting the stage for what could be a prolonged period of civil unrest and confrontation between the opposition and the government.

 

Conclusion

As tensions rise in the wake of the constitutional amendment, Ali Amin Gandapur’s rejection of the amendment and his call for nationwide protests mark a significant escalation in the political conflict. With opposition to the amendment growing, the coming weeks could see large-scale protests as Gandapur and other political leaders mobilize their supporters to challenge the government’s actions.