By Hafiz Rahat Usama 
Nationwide Demonstrations Against Judicial Reforms
The Tehreek Tahaffuz-e-Ayeen-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance staged a significant protest rally on Tuesday opposing the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment. Opposition leaders marched from Parliament House to the Supreme Court, denouncing what they called “ongoing constitutional violations.” The demonstration, led by TTAP chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai and joined by prominent figures including Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, culminated in the announcement of a nationwide “Black Day” observance to amplify their dissent.
Opposition Leaders Decry Closure of Justice Pathways
Addressing journalists during the protest, Allama Abbas framed their march as a symbolic effort to protect Pakistan’s constitutional integrity. “We walked from parliament to the Supreme Court to highlight how all avenues of justice have been closed for the people of Pakistan,” he stated, criticizing the amendment for transforming the constitution into a “contested document.” The TTAP leadership specifically targeted perceived erosions of democratic principles, claiming suppression of free expression and fundamental rights. Allama Abbas vowed sustained resistance, announcing plans for Black Day protests featuring black armbands and an upcoming national conference to coordinate opposition strategy.
Controversial Amendment Reshapes Governance Structure
The disputed 27th Constitutional Amendment, passed last week with a two-thirds parliamentary majority, introduces sweeping changes to Pakistan’s judicial and military hierarchy. Key provisions elevate the Chief of Army Staff to Chief of Defence Forces with lifetime retention of military titles, while restructuring judicial appointments through a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The reform package also modifies presidential immunity clauses and shifts authority over judicial transfers to a Judicial Commission. Opposition leaders argue these changes concentrate excessive power in executive and military institutions, undermining constitutional checks and balances they describe as vital to Pakistan’s democracy.