Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah resign from Supreme Court

Islamabad: Two judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah, have resigned from their positions, citing serious reservations over the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment.

According to details, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah, a senior judge of the Supreme Court, submitted his 13-page resignation letter to the President of Pakistan. Both judges have vacated their chambers following the submission of their resignations.

The judges expressed strong concerns over the 27th Amendment, sending their resignations to the President in protest. Justice Mansoor Ali Shah had earlier written two letters to Chief Justice Yahya Afridi regarding his objections to the amendment.

In his resignation letter, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah stated that the 27th Constitutional Amendment is a serious assault on the Constitution of Pakistan, claiming it has fragmented the Supreme Court and placed the judiciary under government control.

It is worth noting that the Senate had earlier passed the 27th Amendment with 64 votes in favor, following its approval by the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority.

Earlier today, President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill on the Prime Minister’s advice, making it an official part of the Constitution.