Balochistan Bar Council condemns kidnapping of lawmakers’ family for CJP Justice QaziFaezIsa – BBC warns of dangerous amendments

In a recent tweet by journalist Asad Ali Toor, a breaking news alert was shared regarding the Balochistan Bar Council’s condemnation of the kidnapping of family members of lawmakers in response to a proposed constitutional amendment. The council also expressed concern over the formation of a constitutional court for one man, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. This development has sparked outrage and concern among various groups, as it is seen as a threat to the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.

The proposed constitutional amendments have also caught the attention of the BBC, which has declared them to be more dangerous than previous controversial measures such as the Legal Framework Order (LFO) and the Provisional Constitutional Order (PCO). This highlights the seriousness of the situation and the potential implications of the proposed changes on the democratic system and the rights of the citizens.

The kidnapping of family members of lawmakers for political reasons is a troubling and unacceptable act that goes against the principles of democracy and the rule of law. It is a blatant violation of human rights and a dangerous escalation of political tensions in the region. The Balochistan Bar Council’s strong condemnation of these actions underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgent need for action to address these violations.

The formation of a constitutional court for one man, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, raises concerns about the independence of the judiciary and the separation of powers in the country. This move could potentially undermine the authority of the judiciary and erode the checks and balances that are essential for a functioning democracy. The implications of such a development are far-reaching and could have serious consequences for the future of the legal system in the country.

The BBC’s comparison of the proposed constitutional amendments to the LFO and PCO, both of which were highly controversial measures that eroded democratic norms and institutions, underscores the severity of the situation. The proposed changes are seen as a threat to the democratic process and the rule of law, and they have been met with widespread condemnation from various quarters.

Overall, the kidnapping of family members of lawmakers and the proposed constitutional amendments in Balochistan are alarming developments that raise serious concerns about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country. The actions of the Balochistan Bar Council and the BBC’s declaration of the proposed changes as dangerous highlight the urgent need for action to address these threats and uphold the principles of democracy and justice. It is essential for the authorities to take immediate steps to address these violations and ensure that the rights and freedoms of all citizens are protected.

🚨🚨#BREAKING: #Balochistan Bar Council condemns kidnapping of family members of lawmakers for constitutional amendment, formation of constitutional court for one man CJP #JusticeQaziFaezIsa. BBC also declares proposed constitutional amendments more dangerous than LFO and PCO. pic.twitter.com/ncSCMmpjOC

— Asad Ali Toor (@AsadAToor) September 16, 2024

When it comes to the situation in Balochistan, there have been recent developments that have raised serious concerns among legal professionals and human rights advocates. The Balochistan Bar Council recently issued a strong condemnation of the kidnapping of family members of lawmakers in connection with proposed constitutional amendments. These amendments are aimed at the formation of a constitutional court for the sole purpose of targeting a specific individual, Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa. The Bar Council has likened these proposed amendments to the infamous Legal Framework Order (LFO) and Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) that were used to subvert the constitution in the past. In addition, the BBC has also weighed in on the issue, declaring these proposed amendments as even more dangerous than the LFO and PCO. Let’s take a closer look at each of these key points to understand the gravity of the situation in Balochistan.

What is the significance of the Balochistan Bar Council’s condemnation?

The Balochistan Bar Council is a professional body that represents lawyers in the province of Balochistan, Pakistan. Its condemnation of the kidnapping of family members of lawmakers for the purpose of pushing through controversial constitutional amendments is a significant development. The Bar Council plays a crucial role in upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of citizens. Its strong stance against these actions sends a clear message that such tactics will not be tolerated in a democratic society. The condemnation also highlights the growing concerns about the erosion of constitutional principles and the independence of the judiciary in Balochistan.

Source: BBC

Why are the proposed constitutional amendments seen as targeting Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa?

The proposed constitutional amendments are specifically aimed at establishing a constitutional court that would have the power to review the decisions of the Supreme Court of Pakistan. This move is widely seen as an attempt to target Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, who has been a vocal critic of government overreach and violations of constitutional rights. Chief Justice Isa has been a thorn in the side of the government due to his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the independence of the judiciary. By creating a constitutional court that could potentially overturn decisions made by the Supreme Court, the government would effectively be undermining Chief Justice Isa and his authority.

Source: Al Jazeera

How do the proposed constitutional amendments compare to the LFO and PCO?

The Legal Framework Order (LFO) and Provisional Constitution Order (PCO) are dark chapters in Pakistan’s history that were used by military dictators to consolidate power and suppress dissent. These orders allowed for the suspension of the constitution, the dismissal of elected officials, and the establishment of military courts to try civilians. The proposed constitutional amendments in Balochistan have been likened to the LFO and PCO because they seek to undermine the constitution and weaken the judiciary for political gain. The Bar Council’s comparison of these amendments to the LFO and PCO serves as a stark warning of the dangers posed by such actions.

Source: Dawn

In conclusion, the situation in Balochistan is rapidly deteriorating due to the government’s attempts to push through controversial constitutional amendments. The condemnation by the Balochistan Bar Council, the targeting of Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa, and the comparison to the LFO and PCO all point to a troubling trend towards authoritarianism and the erosion of democratic norms. It is crucial for the international community to pay close attention to these developments and stand in solidarity with those who are fighting to uphold the rule of law and protect constitutional rights in Balochistan.