The Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan has ruled that, following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the Supreme Court of Pakistan no longer holds authority to interpret the Constitution and laws, marking a major transformation in the country’s judicial structure.
Justice Aamir Farooq delivered the landmark verdict, stating that before the 27th Amendment, the Supreme Court possessed powers to interpret constitutional provisions and legislation. However, under the revised constitutional framework, that authority has now been transferred exclusively to the Federal Constitutional Court.
The court further held that it has the power to review the constitutional validity of legislation and may summon records of any case involving constitutional interpretation.
The ruling emerged during proceedings related to a sales tax dispute, where Justice Farooq emphasised that the amendment effectively removed the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction to review legal interpretations and legislative matters falling within constitutional scrutiny.
Legal experts say the decision represents a significant shift in Pakistan’s judicial landscape, redefining the hierarchy of courts and expanding the jurisdiction of the Federal Constitutional Court in matters of constitutional interpretation and review.
