Photo : Dawn
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Dawn
In focus
PML-N seeks PPP support for the 27th Constitutional Amendment
On 4 November, The Express Tribune reported on Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s statement on the PML-N’s request for PPP’s support for the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Mr Zardari revealed that the PML-N delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz, met him and President Asif Zardari at the Presidency to seek the PPP's support for the amendment. He clarified that the PPP would finalise its decision on the matter in its Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting. The federal government has officially submitted the draft of the 27th Amendment to the PPP, requesting its support for approval in Parliament, the report said.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment closely follows the controversial 26th Amendment, passed in October 2024, which restructured judicial appointments and faced significant backlash for allegedly undermining judicial independence. The latest amendment introduces major overhauls to the judiciary including the establishment of a constitutional court, restoring the system of executive magistrates, and granting the federal government authority to transfer judges, Zardari revealed in a statement issued on 3 November. The constitutional court, which was previously proposed in the 26th Constitutional Amendment, “would assume authority over the Constitution's interpretation,” reports The Express Tribune. It also aims to end constitutional protection for the provincial shares in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, amend Article 243, bring education, population planning back under federal control and make appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). According to the draft shared by the government with the PPP, the constitutional guarantee of provincial shares in federal revenues under Article 160(3)A would be abolished. Amendments to Article 243 will significantly alter the federal-military equation as it would entrust the federal government with the command of the armed forces.
Following President Zardari’s approval, official notifications for the Senate session is scheduled for 4 November, while the National Assembly will convene on 5 November. Ahead of crucial deliberations, political parties have instructed all members to ensure full attendance. National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq has also called a consultative meeting of parliamentary party leaders one hour before the session. The meeting aims to gather input from parliamentary leaders on the proceedings of the 21st National Assembly session, including the formulation of the agenda, the session’s duration, and measures to maintain order in the House. (“Govt confers with PPP as 27th amend plan unfolds,” The Express Tribune, 4 November 2025; “Lawyers, politicos assail 27th Amendment proposal as rollback of provincial rights,” Dawn, 4 November 2025)
Pakistan's military demands an "end to terrorism" from Afghanistan soil
On 4 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Army adopted a firm position toward the Taliban regime before the next round of talks in Istanbul, stating that Pakistan’s “only and non-negotiable demand” is an end to terrorism from Afghan territory. At an Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) briefing, Military spokesperson General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said: “The conditions that Afghan Taliban keep putting forward are meaningless, what matters is the end of terrorism,” and noted that “Pakistan has a one-point agenda: Afghan soil must not be used against us.” His comments came ahead of the 6 November meeting in Turkey, following last month’s six-day negotiation talks with the Taliban in Istanbul.
General Chaudhry stated that operations were ongoing against “terrorists belonging to Fitna-al-Khawarij — a term the state uses for the banned TTP” with 1,667 killed. He added that 206 Afghan Taliban fighters and 112 TTP members were killed in recent border clashes. “The TTP is not a separate entity, it is a branch of the Afghan Taliban,” he said, adding that “we have clear evidence that the Taliban are settling TTP fighters in densely populated areas to provide them a protective shield.” He rejected reports in “Afghan and Indian media” regarding any US-Pakistan understanding over drone operations in Afghanistan.
General Chaudhry also alleged that India was planning a “false flag” operation in the maritime domain to fabricate evidence of Pakistani aggression. He stated that Pakistan’s armed forces were on “high alert” and would respond in a “far stronger, more decisive, and severe” manner if provoked. According to the news report, this statement coincided with India’s Trishul military exercise, Bihar elections, and regional tensions.
Regarding reports of Pakistan’s possible participation in a Gaza peacekeeping force, he said that any decision would rest with the government and parliament. This comes in the backdrop of opposition concerns that joining the mission without proper UN oversight could place Pakistan at the risk of complicity in coercive actions against Palestinians. (“Demand to end terror from Afghan soil ‘non-negotiable’: army,” Dawn, 4 November 2025)
In brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan and Turkey reaffirm commitment to enhance bilateral trade and investment
On 4 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan and Turkey reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and industrial development. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Turkey’s Minister of Trade Prof Dr Omer Bolat in Istanbul on 3 November on the sidelines of the 41st session of the OIC Standing Committee for Economic and Commercial Cooperation. Both sides discussed avenues to expand economic engagement and strengthen institutional collaboration. Minister Khan briefed his counterpart on initiatives looking at improving efficiency, transparency, and investor confidence, highlighting Pakistan’s potential as an investment destination for Turkey. Dr Bolat invited Minister Khan to attend the upcoming “Halal Expo” in Istanbul from 25 November, pointing to the importance of cooperation in halal trade and related industries. (Amin Ahmed, “Pakistan, Turkey to boost trade ties,” Dawn, 4 November 2025)
SECURITY
Three alleged Fitna al-Khawariji militants killed in military operations in North Waziristan and Tank districts
On 4 November, The Express Tribune reported that three alleged Afghan-backed Fitna al-Khawariji terrorists were killed in separate military operations in North Waziristan and Tank districts. The report highlighted that the incidents occur against the backdrop of a persistent terror threat in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s border region, where cross-border infiltration attempts and targeted attacks on security forces have escalated in recent months. Following the attack, the local police forces from the Bannu region launched a large-scale search operation in the area, with Quick Response Force (QRF), Rapid Response Force (RRF) and Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) taking part in the operation. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), issued a statement claiming that the troops "effectively engaged the group of Khwarij. As a result of precise and skillful engagement, two Khwarij belonging to Indian proxy, Fitna al Khwarij were sent to hell". It also stated that Pakistan "has repeatedly been asking the Interim Afghan Government to ensure effective border management on their side of the border and is expected to fulfil its obligations and deny the use of Afghan soil by Khwarij and involvement of its citizens in terrorism inside Pakistan". President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif commended the security forces for their successful counterterrorism operations. The president praised the forces for thwarting a terrorist infiltration attempt in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stating that “defeating the Indian-backed Fitna al-Khawarij is crucial for Pakistan’s peace and stability.” He also paid tribute to the troops for their “timely and effective response.” (“Three terrorists killed in NW, Tank ops,” The Express Tribune, 4 November 2025)
ENVIRONMENT
Senator Sherry Rehman calls for Pakistan’s own “Conference of the Parties” for climate resilience
On 4 November, Dawn reported that Senator Sherry Rehman proposed convening Pakistan’s own “Conference of Parties” involving provinces, experts, and citizens to promote data-sharing, innovation, and public-private partnerships for climate resilience. Speaking at a pre-COP30 conference organised by the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, she highlighted that “every province has its own share of challenges,” from drought-hit Balochistan to flood-affected Sindh, KP, and Punjab. She warned that climate change is worsening and, without adaptation, Pakistan could lose 18–20 per cent of its GDP by 2050 pointing to World Bank estimates. Rehman questioned the delivery of the USD 300 billion from the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) and stated that climate finance is a “fundamental right.” She called for debt swaps and financial safeguards for vulnerable states saying “our house is burning at 53°C every summer.” Pakistan’s updated nationally determined contributions target a 50 per cent emissions cut by 2035, requiring USD 565.7 billion, with 17 per cent from domestic efforts and 33 per cent dependent on external finance. Rehman noted Pakistan’s 37 per cent emissions reduction between 2021 and 2025 without external aid. However, she also warned that the projected total cost of climate inaction in Pakistan is estimated at USD 250 billion by 2030 and USD 1.2 trillion by 2050. She called for greater private sector involvement, improved sanitation and water systems, and action against pollution, describing air pollution as a “serial killer” causing over 128,000 deaths annually. (Bakhtawar Mian, “Sherry proposes Pakistan’s own ‘Conference of Parties’ to boost climate resilience,” Dawn, 4 November 2025)