Islamabad, September 23, 2025: The Supreme Court has fixed October 7 as the date for hearing multiple petitions challenging the 26th Constitutional Amendment. An eight-member larger bench, headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan, will take up the case at 11:30 am.
The bench also comprises Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel, Justice Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Justice Ayesha Malik, Justice Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Musarat Hilali, Justice Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Justice Shahid Bilal.
The amendment, a landmark piece of legislation introduced in the Senate by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar on October 20, 2024, was presented as part of the government’s long-promised reform agenda.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2024 sought to bring wide-ranging reforms to Pakistan’s governance and legal framework.
Several petitioners, including members of the legal fraternity and political stakeholders, have challenged the amendment on constitutional grounds. Critics argue that certain provisions undermine judicial independence and could upset the delicate balance between state institutions. Supporters, however, maintain that the reforms are necessary to modernize Pakistan’s governance structure and reduce institutional conflicts.
The October 7 hearing is expected to be closely watched, as the case will test the judiciary’s interpretation of constitutional boundaries at a time when institutional relations remain under public debate.
