ISLAMABAD: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur criticized the 26th constitutional amendment, calling it an “attack” on the judiciary by the federal government, which he claimed lacks the proper mandate.

Speaking at the KP Assembly, Gandapur likened the amendment’s pre-dawn passage to a robbery committed under the cover of night.

He argued that the amendment primarily serves the interests of the elite and is unacceptable to his government. “Such attacks are always carried out at night, like a robbery,” he remarked.

Gandapur also hinted at another upcoming protest by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), declaring it a “do or die” moment for the party and the nation, with a different and more prepared approach this time.

He accused certain PTI lawmakers of betraying the party by supporting the amendment, promising that their disloyalty would be exposed soon. PTI has previously pledged to repeal the 26th constitutional amendment if they return to power.

Advisor to the KP Chief Minister, Barrister Saif, echoed Gandapur’s concerns, accusing the government of undermining the constitution and weakening the Supreme Court through covert actions.

He claimed the real purpose of the rushed amendments was to bypass the Supreme Court’s rulings. Saif warned that those who voted for the controversial amendment would not be forgiven by history, and he praised PTI members who stood against it, urging the lawyer community to join PTI in opposing the amendment.

It should be noted that both the Senate and National Assembly passed the 26th Amendment with a two-thirds majority.