News Desk: Now that the 26th Constitutional Amendment has been passed after a due peocess, there is a big question what does this amendment means?
The development is generally viewed as a bad development due to the potential risks it poses to judicial independence, economic stability, and democratic processes. The changes could consolidate power among specific groups and introduce more conservative religious interpretations into law, which might not reflect the diverse needs and rights of the entire population.
Experts are of the view that threat to democratic balance has increased as lowering the threshold for referring matters to the CII from 40 per cent to 25 per cent can undermine democratic balance, allowing a minority to push conservative agendas.
Judicial independence can also be copmromised as allowing provincial assemblies to set up constitutional benches could enable political manipulation of the judiciary, threatening its independence and impartiality.
It is also being seen that the move to eliminate Riba interest by 2028 could potentially create economic challenges for Pakistan.
However, there are also some positive aspects of the 26th amendment.
The amendment is also seen as a step toward fulfilling demands for an Islamic economic system and aligning with religious values, which may resonate with a significant portion of the population.
Then decentralization of judiciary is another possitive aspect as empowering provincial assemblies to establish constitutional benches could promote decentralization and regional autonomy if implemented fairly.
