SC judges Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah resign

Islamabad (Web Desk): Senior Supreme Court Judge Justice Mansoor Ali Shah has tendered his resignation from his position.

In addition to him, Supreme Court Judge Justice Athar Minallah has also stepped down, submitting his resignation to the President of Pakistan.

Justice Mansoor Ali Shah’s resignation, which spans 13 pages, was formally addressed to the President. In his letter, Justice Shah expressed his concerns regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment. He had previously conveyed his reservations in writing to Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Yahya Afridi, through two separate letters.

Sources indicate that the resignations are tied to their opposition to certain provisions in the amendment, which they believed compromised judicial independence. Both justices had voiced their concerns over the potential implications of the 27th amendment, particularly in relation to its impact on the judiciary's autonomy and the balance of powers.

The resignations of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah have reduced the number of sitting judges in the Supreme Court, which may have implications for the hearing and adjudication of pending cases. The Supreme Court and relevant authorities have yet to provide additional commentary on the matter, and further developments are awaited.