HYDERABAD: Lawyers at the District and Sessions Court Hyderabad offered symbolic funeral prayers for the 1973 Constitution of Pakistan on Wednesday, claiming that with the passing of the 27th Amendment, the Constitution has effectively "died."
Scores of lawyers, including a large number of newly enrolled practitioners, took part in the funeral procession. This was followed by a protest rally that culminated outside the Hyderabad Press Club. There, lawyers chanted slogans against the Federal Government, accusing it of depriving the Judiciary of its true powers and establishing Constitutional Courts.
Faisal Mughal, a senior lawyer, stated that the Constitution had been modified simply to appease a particular section of politicians and grant them complete immunity.
"The 27th Amendment is against the basic principles of democracy and equality," Mughal said, adding that this undemocratic move would face stiff resistance.
He also criticized the PPP Government and its elected representatives for assenting to the amendment for their own "petty gains."
While sharing the drawbacks of the legislation, Advocate Tanveer Khaskeli said that the amendment has confined the Judiciary by metaphorically tying judges' hands behind their backs through provisions of forced retirement. He added that the amendment was unacceptable to the legal fraternity and that the Constitution had "lost its soul."
Young lawyers bemoaned that the Constitution had lost its essence, stating that the future for newcomers in the field of law is now shrouded in ambiguity and uncertainty.
Advocate Daniyal Saheto described the current state of affairs as an era of "judicial crisis." He further stated that the majority of legislators elected from Sindh were unaware of the harsh consequences the 27th Amendment would have on the Constitution.
"The theory of a controlled Judiciary will leave an adverse effect on the constitutional and administrative machinery of Pakistan," Saheto noted.
Advocate Irfan Soomro concluded the protest by highlighting specific clauses regarding the Presidency: "Giving immunity to the President of Pakistan even after retirement, and allowing him to enjoy all perks and privileges, is not only undemocratic but a legislative blunder."