LAHORE: A lawyers’ convention on Tuesday alleged that 28th amendment was being drafted in secrecy to undermine the landmark 18thAmendment.

The convention, attended by lawyers from across the country, was hosted by the Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA).

“The 26th and 27th amendments have undermined judicial independence and effectively closed all legal avenues for challenging the electoral process,” says a joint declaration issued at the conclusion of the convention.

The declaration warns that any further amendment enacted by, what it termed, a “disputed Parliament” would pose a threat to the federation.

It urges the authorities to uphold constitutional principles, judicial autonomy and access to justice. It warned against any constitutional changes that could alter the balance created by the 18th Amendment.

The speakers criticised the suspension of judicial work on Fridays and Saturdays under an austerity policy following increased fuel prices. They said the introduction of the four-day week for courts was hampering the administration of justice and causing delays in the disposal of cases.

They demanded that the Supreme Court and the Lahore High Court immediately withdraw the notification regarding courts closure for two days a week.

The speakers also called for an immediate release of incarcerated political leaders and activists, including PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, whom the participants described as a political prisoner.

They alleged that repeated adjournments in cases of human rights lawyers Iman Mazari and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha, had been causing delays in the adjudication of their matters.

They accused the government of meddling in the elections of the bar associations and councils.

The declaration also denounced the transfer of judges of the Islamabad High Court to high courts of other provinces, describing the move as detrimental to judicial independence.

Senator Hamid Khan and Ali Ahmad Kurd were prominent among the speakers.

Published in Dawn, June 10th, 2026