PTI Marches Against Constitutional Amendment in Lahore
Lahore, Pakistan – The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Monday staged a significant walk against the 27th Amendment in Lahore, with its MPAs marching from the Punjab Assembly to Charing Cross on The Mall. This protest aimed to formally record their strong opposition to the recent passing of the constitutional amendment, which they argue undermines judicial independence and provincial rights.
The demonstration commenced after PTI MPAs submitted a formal requisition at the Punjab Assembly, calling for a comprehensive debate on the contentious 27th Amendment. Led by the party’s secretary-general, Salman Akram Raja, participants walked rhythmically, carrying party flags and placards prominently bearing the message, “We reject 27th constitutional amendment.” The peaceful march garnered public attention, illustrating the party’s firm stance.
PTI’s Stance on the 27th Amendment
Upon reaching Charing Cross, a critical juncture, visually challenged individuals spontaneously joined the demonstration, adding another dimension to the protest. They voiced their own demands, urging the government to fulfil promises of employment and support. This merged protest highlighted broader concerns about governance and public welfare, as reported by SindhNews.com.
Addressing the gathered crowd, Salman Akram Raja vehemently rejected the 27th Amendment. He asserted that the amendment constituted an “attack on the judiciary,” arguing that a “subservient judiciary could not serve the oppressed and have-nots.” Raja stressed that the amendment had effectively separated judges who could champion the cause of the poor on merit. He reiterated that PTI stands for the “respect and integrity of the judiciary,” vowing to “continue fighting on roads and every other forum for the restoration of judiciary’s respect, release of founder chairman Imran Khan from jail, and the nation at large.” He also extended PTI’s support to the visually challenged and all unemployed youth seeking respectable employment.
Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Moeen Riaz Qureshi, further elaborated on the protest’s objectives. He confirmed that the rally was organised under the directions of Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). Qureshi strongly condemned the amendment’s passage by what he termed the “Form-47 government.” He also alleged that the government intended to reduce the National Finance Commission (NFC) award through this new amendment, warning that such a move would deepen feelings of deprivation among the provinces.
Conclusion
The PTI’s walk against the 27th Amendment in Lahore underscores a growing political dispute over constitutional changes and judicial independence. The protest not only highlighted the party’s rejection of the amendment but also brought to the forefront other critical public grievances, such as unemployment. The PTI leadership has pledged to continue its struggle across various platforms, indicating a sustained challenge to the amendment and current governance.