Political heavyweights hammered out a major deal on emergency powers during heated constitutional talks. Professor Ali Riaz spilled the details after party leaders wrapped up their 12th day of discussions at the Foreign Service Academy. The big shots agreed to gut the controversial "internal disturbance" language from Article 141(a) and replace it with crystal-clear threats like attacks on sovereignty, pandemics, and natural disasters. Cabinet members will grab the power to approve emergency declarations instead of letting the Prime Minister call the shots alone. Opposition leaders scored a victory by securing guaranteed seats at the table during any emergency Cabinet meeting.
The political wheelers and dealers made sure basic rights stay bulletproof during crisis situations. Article 47A protections for life and Article 35 trial rights became untouchable even when emergencies hit the country. Every single party that showed up on July 7 backed the plan to stop politicians from weaponizing emergency powers for their personal gain. The commission members and Chief Adviser's special assistant watched as representatives hammered out the historic agreement.
Party bosses also cut a separate deal on picking the top judge for the country's highest court. The President will tap the most senior Appellate Division judge as Chief Justice under normal circumstances. Political parties can shake things up by promising voters a different approach and then choosing between the two most senior judges. Any judge facing misconduct investigations gets locked out of the Chief Justice race completely.
The political wheelers and dealers made sure basic rights stay bulletproof during crisis situations. Article 47A protections for life and Article 35 trial rights became untouchable even when emergencies hit the country. Every single party that showed up on July 7 backed the plan to stop politicians from weaponizing emergency powers for their personal gain. The commission members and Chief Adviser's special assistant watched as representatives hammered out the historic agreement.
Party bosses also cut a separate deal on picking the top judge for the country's highest court. The President will tap the most senior Appellate Division judge as Chief Justice under normal circumstances. Political parties can shake things up by promising voters a different approach and then choosing between the two most senior judges. Any judge facing misconduct investigations gets locked out of the Chief Justice race completely.
