ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) senior leader, Shah Mehmood Qureshi, has written a letter to Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, urging him not to support the proposed 26th Constitutional Amendment. Qureshi penned the letter from Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail, where he is currently imprisoned.
In the letter titled “Let the constitution agreed to since 1973 not be set on fire by Bhutto’s lamp,” Qureshi raised concerns about the amendment. He emphasized the importance of consensus in any changes to the Constitution. According to Qureshi, implementing the amendment without full parliamentary approval would be a dangerous step.
Concerns Over Timing
Qureshi expressed doubt about the timing of the amendment, although he did not question Bilawal Bhutto’s intentions. “I am aware of his commitment to democracy,” Qureshi wrote. However, he added that the nation is viewing the amendment’s timing with suspicion. This, he argued, could raise concerns about the government’s true motivations.
Qureshi highlighted that civil society and a large segment of the legal community also have serious reservations. He called on Bilawal to listen to these voices and engage in dialogue.
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Criticism of Constitutional Court Proposal
One of the key points of contention is the proposal to establish a Constitutional Court. Qureshi argued that this move, without parliamentary consultation, will create a “PCO court,” labeling judges as “PCO judges.” He warned that this could set a dangerous precedent for Pakistan’s judicial system.
Referring to the legacy of Bilawal’s grandfather, former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Qureshi acknowledged his role in drafting Pakistan’s 1973 Constitution. He credited Bhutto for showing patience and flexibility in crafting a consensus document.
However, Qureshi warned Bilawal against disregarding that tradition. He stated that amending the Constitution without proper consultation would weaken not just the judiciary, but also the federation itself.
Read: Supreme Court Overturns 2022 Verdict on Article 63-A
Appeal for Dialogue
In a more personal appeal, Qureshi reminded Bilawal of the time he had worked alongside his mother, former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, for the cause of democracy.
He expressed hope that Bilawal would continue that legacy by ensuring the government makes any constitutional amendments in a democratic manner.
“I am sure you do not want to see the funeral of justice. This is a suggestion from a prisoner of Kot Lakhpat Jail, who once worked with your mother for democracy,” Qureshi concluded.
Observers view the PTI leader’s letter as an attempt to rally opposition to the amendment, which has sparked debate across the country. Whether Bilawal Bhutto Zardari will follow Qureshi’s advice is uncertain, but the letter adds to the rising political tension surrounding the proposed changes.
With these developments, the future of the 26th Amendment remains uncertain, as calls for dialogue and broader consultation continue to grow.
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