In this explainer for the New Wave Global, renowned economist and investment banker Yousuf Nazar provides the political and historical context behind the recent passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment and its adoption into law. This amendment empowers the parliament to select the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, but its critics see it as an attempt to undermine the judiciary's independence and a means to curb judges who allegedly granted relief to former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Nazar highlights why this amendment was deemed necessary by the current government and the military establishment. He also reflects on the judiciary's pivotal role throughout Pakistan's history in subverting the constitution and shaping the nation’s legal and political framework. According to Nazar, former PM Imran Khan’s attempt to appoint the ex-DG ISI, General Faiz Hameed, as Chief of Army Staff set the current infighting into motion. Nazar concludes that the judiciary has long been an extension of the Pakistani establishment, and the current conflict is not about judicial independence but rather a clash of power among the country’s ruling elite—Imran Khan and the military. Tune in for the full explainer.