Politics depends upon constitution because it makes a boundary around politics. Through this boundary politicians can perform better and according to the law to achieve their politically defined goals.
Amendments to the constitution may be needed for many reasons. The president, PM, or parliament may need to promulgate new rules or make changes to the constitution for some political reason. As many as 19 amendments have been made from 1973 to 2011.
The 17th amendment was brought up by Gen Pervez Musharraf to increase his powers in the senate and national assembly. He was the only person who could dissolve the assembly and could repeal any law at any time and also had the power to appoint chiefs of all three armed forces.
The 18th amendment brought all those powers back to the parliament and made the president a figurehead as he was originally supposed to be in the constitution.
It was a big achievement for the PPP government. The 19th amendment was necessary to handle the Supreme Court’s concern over a new mode of appointing superior judiciary.
There is nothing wrong in making amendments to the constitution but before doing so the leaders must look at how they are going to play out on the public.
AMAT-UL-MATEEN NOOR
Lahore
