Pakistan's parliament approved significant constitutional changes in an extraordinary session that lasted through the night, concluding early Monday morning. The amendments empower parliament to select the Supreme Court's chief justice, a move criticized by opposition parties as an attempt to undermine judicial independence. The change comes amidst escalating tensions between the government and the judiciary, particularly regarding cases involving jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

The amendment states that the Chief Justice of Pakistan will be nominated by a Special Parliamentary Committee from among the three most senior judges, replacing the previous system where the second-most senior judge automatically ascended to the role upon retirement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the parliament's supremacy has been reaffirmed, citing past judicial overreach that has undermined democracy and resulted in the removal of prime ministers.

Sharif defended the need for these changes, pointing to historical instances where the judiciary has supported military rule and interfered in political matters. With the current Chief Justice Qazi Faez Isa set to retire soon, there are concerns that his successor might exhibit leniency towards Khan, who has faced political turmoil since his ousting in 2022. The amendments have sparked backlash from Khan's supporters, with critics labeling the day a setback for judicial independence in Pakistan.