Photo : The News International
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : The News International
In Focus
National Assembly approves the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill:
Opposition stages walkout and slams the bill as “undemocratic and of the wrong kind”
On 13 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with 234 favourable votes from 336 members. Slightly different from the draft passed in the Senate on 10 November, the bill had 59 clauses, and eight changes were made before being tabled in Parliament. The changes mostly pertained to the Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP), and was introduced in the bill by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar. Several questions over whether the chief justice of the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) or that of the Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) would bear the title of the CJP has persisted before the final changes. It has been clarified that the title will be held by the senior of the two chief justices. This provision will take effect after the incumbent CJP retires from his office. According to the substitution in Clause 23 of Article 176, the incumbent Supreme Court chief justice, Justice Yahya Afridi, will continue to hold the title of CJP during his term in office. Law Minister Tarar also dispelled that the office of the CJP was removed and said CJP Afridi will continue to head significant judicial bodies like the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) as well as the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.
Addressing the Assembly, Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari stated that the 27th Amendment was “to fulfill the unfulfilled promises of the Charter of Democracy.” He asserted that the PPP supported the changes in Article 243 in the “context that Pakistan is going through a situation of war,” and that PPP would never support the curtailing of the 18th Amendment or any laws that would go against the basic rights of the people.
Opposition parties severely protested the passing of the bill, with the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) members staging a walkout to boycott the bill. PTI interim chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan bemoaned that by rushing the amendments, “you have sunk the ship of democracy and judicial independence.” Further, Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) chief Mehmood Khan Achakzai termed the amendment “undemocratic and of the wrong kind.” In a separate statement after the session, the PTI termed the 27th amendment the death of the Constitution. The added that the “Governments reflecting the will of the people are no longer allowed to function, the courts no longer dare to deliver justice, and the media is no longer permitted to speak the truth.” The PTI vowed that the party would strive to revive the Constitution and restore it to its pre-26th Amendment status.
Additionally, a new petition challenging the 27th Amendment was filed in the Lahore High Court on 12 November. The petitioner, Hassan Latif, argued through his counsel that the 27th Amendment introduces provisions that contradict the Constitution’s preamble and seek to curtail the powers of the Supreme Court. He stated that by diminishing judicial authority, the amendment threatens judicial independence and undermines the constitutional structure, particularly since it is being advanced without provincial consultation. Latif further noted that while the amendment has been approved by the Senate and tabled in the National Assembly, it has not yet received presidential assent, requesting the court to strike down the 27th Amendment and declare the transfer of constitutional cases to another court as unconstitutional and void. Previously, on 11 November, former chief justice of Pakistan (CJP) Jawwad S. Khawaja had also filed a petition challenging the amendment, seeking a ruling affirming that the Supreme Court alone retains exclusive authority to determine the validity and constitutionality of constitutional amendments.
An editorial in Dawn, titled “Larger discussion,” protested that “The 27th amendment is testing the very boundaries of parliamentary authority — perhaps even crossing them,” highlighting that despite the Parliament’s right to amend the Constitution, its “authority is not absolute.” The editorial expressed that the establishment of a new Federal Constitutional Court to adjudicate constitutional matters while restructuring the Supreme Court’s composition and authority would strip the chief justice of several key functions and transfer much of the Supreme Court’s constitutional jurisdiction to the FCC. In essence, the Supreme Courts, the country’s ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, would be left largely powerless, it stated. The article cited the letters from Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah addressed to the Supreme Court warning that the amendment “weakens judicial independence and the coherence of our legal system.” The article warns that “Both the government and judiciary must refrain from turning this crisis into political theatre,” and that “both the executive and the judiciary must show maturity, prioritise transparency and encourage inclusive discussions.”
In an opinion in The News International titled “Defending the amendment,” the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court is stated as a means to “make the functioning of both institutions more efficient and streamlined.” The FCC exclusively addresses matters pertaining to the Constitution and questions of constitutional law. This separation would allow the Supreme Court to focus on all other judicial matters not involving constitutional interpretation. Regarding the armed forces, the proposed amendments to Article 243 seeks to modernize and streamline the structure, command, and functioning of the military. The existing structure of the three services, the Army, Navy, and Air Force, would be retained with each branch continuing under the full operational command of its respective service chief, argues the article. (“ NA stamps approval on 27th Amendment,” Dawn, 13 November 2025; Nasir Iqbal, “Situationer: Air on CJP title cleared,” Dawn, 13 November 2025; “Another plea filed against 27th Amendment,” Dawn, 13 November 2025; “Larger discussion,” Dawn, 13 November 2025; Omar Quraishi “Defending the amendment,” The News International, 13 November 2025; Dr Farrukh Saleem “Comment: Whats wrong with the 27th Amendment?,” The News International, 13 November 2025)
Islamabad Suicide Attack:
PM Sharif accuses Afghanistan and India of involvement and warns of a “befitting response”
On 13 November, Dawn reported that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif accused Afghanistan and India of involvement in recent terrorist attacks, promising a “befitting response” following the suicide blast in Islamabad and an attempted assault that according to the Prime minister is reminiscent of the 2014 Army Public School (APS) massacre. Addressing the National Assembly after the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, he said, “It is no more a secret that an external hand is visible [in attacks in Pakistan],” adding that the attack “could have been a worst attack than APS” if the security forces did not intervene. One of the killed attackers was identified as an Afghan national.
Pointing to his earlier statement that “footprints of Afghanistan are also seen” alongside Indian links, he reiterated that evidence had been shared publicly showing how the TTP and BLA operated from Afghan territory with alleged support from India. “We presented these facts before the whole world and no one challenged or rebutted them,” he stated.
PM Shehbaz also spoke about Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with the Afghan Taliban, including talks in Turkey, highlighting Islamabad’s demand that Kabul curb terrorist groups targeting Pakistan. He extended an offer for dialogue and asked the Taliban to stop making “false promises” and act decisively against militants. Referring to the recent cross-border attack, he said “When Pakistan was recently attacked from Afghan side, Afghan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was in Delhi,” expressing disappointment that “after 40 years of our hospitality, they [Afghans] gave us this reward.” The prime minister further highlighted the military’s recent successes and diplomatic outreach, claiming it had rendered India “helpless” and elevated Pakistan’s global standing. (Bakhtawar Mian, “PM blames Kabul-Delhi nexus for surge in terrorist attacks,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
An editorial in Dawn says “Considering the state’s strong belief in the involvement of Afghanistan-based terrorists in the Islamabad and Wana attacks, the question of arms and military gear left in Afghanistan by foreign forces….requires closer scrutiny.”
On 13 November, an Editorial in Dawn titled “Afghanistan arms,” discussed Pakistan’s growing concern over weapons left behind in Afghanistan by foreign forces, now reportedly taken by militant groups. It noted that “considering the state’s strong belief in the involvement of Afghanistan-based terrorists in the Islamabad and Wana attacks,” the unchecked flow of arms requires urgent attention. Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN recently highlighted that weapons seized at the Pak-Afghan border can be traced to stockpiles abandoned by international troops. These arms, he said, are being used by “non-state armed groups, terrorist networks, and criminal gangs,” calling for global action to prevent their misuse by groups such as TTP and BLA.
The editorial observed that the US withdrawal left behind billions of dollars’ worth of weapons, some of which were reportedly sold on the black market to groups like the TTP and ETIM. It criticised the “irresponsibility” of leaving behind such advanced weaponry, noting that retrieving it is “next to impossible.” The article notes that Afghan Taliban bear responsibility to ensure these arms are not used by anti-Pakistan elements. It said the Taliban’s “denialism” regarding terrorist groups on their soil challenges regional stability. It concluded that even though Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed Pakistan’s wish for a “peaceful neighbourhood,” this cannot be achieved “if one state refuses to control cross-border terrorism” and modern weapons continue to be held by militant networks. (“Afghanistan arms,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
In Brief
EXTERNAL
Pakistan aligns with Arab group seeks clarity on US-proposed Gaza Stabilisation Force
On 13 November, Dawn reported that at the United Nations, Pakistan has joined the Arab group, calling for more clarity on the US-proposed Gaza Stabilisation Force. Arab groups insisted that any security council resolution must also define the “political horizon”. Pakistan’s move came after China and Russia questioned the absence of a clear mandate for the proposed International Stabilisation Force and demanded that it operate under UN Security Council oversight. The first draft of the US Resolution also faced resistance from UAE, Jordan, Azerbaijan. (“Pakistan joins Arab bloc to challenge US Gaza mission scope,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
SECURITY
Balochistan government suspends internet and mobile data services across the province, except in Quetta
On 13 November, Dawn reported that the Balochistan government suspended internet and mobile data services across the province, except in Quetta, from 10 to 16 November because of security threats and the current law and order situation. Home Department officials confirmed that “the internet service will remain suspended in the rural areas of the entire province,” while Quetta district would be exempt. However, residents complained of signal disruptions even in parts of the capital. Educational institutions in the Cantonment area remained closed on 12 November, with schools and colleges in Quetta Garrison to stay shut until 16 November for security reasons. Government schools in the city mostly remained open. The provincial government also stopped all transport services, including taxis and private vehicles, on the Loralai section of the National Highway (N-70) until 14 November, though intra-city travel was permitted. District administrations and police were instructed to ensure implementation and provide alternative arrangements. (Saleem Shahid, “Internet, mobile data services suspended in Balochistan,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
Awami National Party (ANP) executive committee member Mumtaz Ali Khan escapes an assassination attempt
On 13 November, Dawn reported that Awami National Party (ANP) executive committee member Mumtaz Ali Khan escaped an assassination attempt when his car was targeted by a remote-controlled bomb in Swat district on 12 November. “Fortunately, all occupants, including Mumtaz Ali Khan, remained completely unhurt,” a police official stated. Authorities noted that Khan has previously lost 10 family members, including his father, brother, and son, in terrorist attacks. The Swat Qaumi Jirga called it “heinous and inhumane act,” and says its objective was to spread fear among the Swat citizens, highlighting deteriorating security in the region. The jirga pointed out that it had repeatedly cautioned authorities about the re-emergence of heavily armed militant groups, allegedly operating with tacit state support, in the mountainous areas of Swat. The jirga noted its right to hold public demonstrations against terrorism and oppression, and announced that a collective plan of action would be finalised following consultations among senior members. (Fazal Khaliq, “ANP leader escapes assassination bid in Swat,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirms its national team would continue its Pakistan tour despite security concerns following the Islamabad attack
On 13 November, Dawn reported that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed its national team would continue its Pakistan tour in spite of security concerns after the Islamabad attack. Earlier reports suggested some players had requested to return home due to safety concerns. The team is currently in Pakistan for a ODI series and a triangular T20 tournament with Pakistan and Zimbabwe. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held an emergency meeting with the Sri Lankan players and management, addressing their concerns and assuring that he would “personally supervise” the team’s security. Following the meeting, SLC issued an official statement confirming the tour would proceed as scheduled. “Should any player or member of the touring party decide to return to Sri Lanka despite the directive issued by SLC to continue with the tour, Sri Lanka Cricket will immediately send replacements to ensure that the tour continues without interruption,” it stated. (“Sri Lanka to continue Pakistan tour after PCB assures foolproof security,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
ON INDIA
Pakistan pledges continued participation in the Neutral Expert’s proceedings with regard to the Indus Waters Treaty despite India’s halt
On 13 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s Foreign Office assured Islamabad’s complete participation in the Neutral Expert’s proceedings with regard to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) despite India’s decision to halt its participation. The statement was issued in response to clarifications issued by the Hague’s Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) on the IWT. The PCA delivered its Award on Issues of General Interpretation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) on 8 August 2025. In September, Pakistan initiated arbitration proceedings against India under the treaty’s provisions after claims that New Delhi “unilaterally” suspended it. The PCA’s clarifications addressed questions regarding the interpretation and application of the IWT, specifically relating to the design features of run-of-river hydroelectric projects (HEPs).
According to the PCA, the clarifications pertained to Article III of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs the Western rivers, and provisions for new run-of-river hydroelectric plants that India may construct on those rivers. The Foreign Office stated that Pakistan has noted the procedural order issued alongside the decision. The court stated that Pakistan’s request for clarification “timely” and issued explanations regarding the meaning, scope, and rationale of several aspects of its earlier decisions. The statement added that these clarifications carry the same binding authority as the original award. The court stated that its decisions on paragraph 8(a) of Annexure D to the treaty were “not limited to freeboard but, rather, extend to all components of run-of-river hydro-electric plants that India may construct on the Western rivers.” However, the PCA rejected Pakistan’s request for further clarification that a crest-gated spillway with gates extending above the Full Pondage Level was prohibited. It ruled that such clarifications lay outside the scope of its award. The court further stated that “Pakistan or India may seek to pursue the matter through the Treaty’s dispute resolution procedures, including a further phase of these proceedings.” (“Pakistan committed to IWT proceedings despite India’s move,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
AF-PAK
UNHCR reports 75,000 Afghans returned from Pakistan in November
On 13 November, The News International reported that the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that over 75000 refugees have returned to Afghanistan from different parts of Pakistan during November. Cumulatively, since August over 320,000 Afghan nationals have returned to Afghanistan. The deadline set by the Pakistan government for Afghan Nationals has already ended. However, thousands of Afghans who have already obtained Pakistani visas, and several others have applied for it to run their businesses and take care of their assets. (UNHCR says around 7,000 Afghans return home daily,” The News International, 13 November 2025)
ECONOMY
IMF to approve USD 1.2 billion for Pakistan
On 13 November, Dawn reported that the International Monetary Fund has scheduled a meeting of its executive board to approve immediate disbursement of USD 1.2 billion to Pakistan under two concurrent programmes. Under the Staff level Agreement, Pakistan will receive USD 1billion in disbursements under the Extended Fund Facility and USD 200 million under the Resilience and Sustainability Fund. Pakistan is expecting the USD 1.2 billion disbursement by 9 December. Before the executive board meeting scheduled on 8 December, Pakistan is also expected to publish a much delayed Governance & Corruption Diagnostic Assessment Report. (“Pakistan may get $1.2bn from IMF on Dec 9,” Dawn, 13 November 2025)
IMF discusses budget-making process with Pakistan authorities
On 13 November, The News International reported that the IMF technical mission has been negotiating with Pakistan authorities over the budget making process. It will also discuss the functioning of the newly established Tax policy Office (TPO), as the TPO, which is under jurisdiction of the Ministry of Finance has yet to finalise its functioning process. The IMF’s upcoming review mission will finalise tax proposals for the next budget 2026-27 during an upcoming visit to Islamabad in March 2026. The visiting team will also be briefed on the formation of a high-powered committee to oversee the implementation of a digitalised Public Finance Management (PFM) master plan, which aims to improve transparency and accountability in budget formulation and execution. (“IMF team in talks with Pakistan on budget-making process,” The News International, 13 November 2025)
EDITORIALS/OPINIONS
On the 27th Amendment
Editorial, "Larger discussion," Dawn, 13 November 2025
THE 27th amendment is testing the very boundaries of parliamentary authority — perhaps even crossing them. It is no doubt parliament’s right to amend the Constitution. But this authority is not absolute. The apex court has previously held that if an amendment strikes at the basic structure of the Constitution, the judiciary not only has the right but also a duty to intervene. The bill, passed by the National Assembly yesterday but due to return to the Senate for debate on proposed adjustments, seeks to create a new federal constitutional court to handle constitutional issues, while also altering the Supreme Court’s composition and powers. If passed in its current form, it would remove functions of the chief justice and transfer much of the top court’s constitutional jurisdiction to the FCC. In effect, the apex court, the ultimate interpreter of the Constitution, will be rendered toothless.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1954781
Zahid Hussain, "Killing the Constitution," Dawn, 12 November 2025
It has not been just the complete demolition of whatever independence of judiciary was left after the 26th Amendment but also the surrender of even the semblance of civilian rule. The new amendment will provide constitutional cover to the country’s march towards becoming a praetorian state. The army chief has been granted unprecedented powers. Elevated to the rank of field marshal for his leadership in the four-day conflict with India in May this year, he will now have immunity from the law for his actions, with his term in office extended to five years and provision of another extension in service.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1954621/killing-the-constitution
Omar Quraishi, "Defending the amendment," The News, 13 November 2025
Now, moving on to the proposed changes relating to Article 243 of the constitution. The federal government is well within its rights to legislate that armed forces officers may be elevated to the rank of field marshal, marshal of the air force or admiral of the fleet. However, a contentious debate has followed other proposals, especially those that say that all such officers will retain their title, privileges and rank for life. Furthermore, holders of these offices will enjoy the same constitutional protection afforded to the president of Pakistan by Article 248 – related to immunity
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1357505-defending-the-amendment
Farhan Bokhari, "Beyond the 27th," The News, 13 November 2025
The push by Pakistan’s ruling structure to amend the constitution for the 27th time fails to impress on a key front-the welfare of the people. The entire exercise appears aimed primarily at a further consolidation of power while extending patronage, through steps like enlarging the induction of ministerial rank advisers. While the present ruling structure reassures itself of becoming unassailable after the latest constitutional amendment, the future of Pakistan remains surrounded by uncertainty.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1357504-beyond-the-27th
Editorial, "The 27th amendment," The Express Tribune, 13 November 2025
The legislation renders the Supreme Court subservient to the newly-erected Federal Constitutional Court, apart from introducing drastic changes to the military leadership structure. The sole exception, coming at the National Assembly, was the insertion of a clause through which the confusion about the continuity of the position of Chief Justice of Pakistan has been addressed, and he will continue to hold his office. Thus, the bill passed from the lower house will revert to the Senate for revalidation of the amendment
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2577147/the-27th-amendment
External Relations
Nasir Iqbal, "Pakistan and the new Middle East," The News, 13 November 2025
As regional alliances evolve, the coming decade could well define Pakistan’s economic future. The Middle East is no longer merely a source of remittances – it is an engine of regional reinvention. If Pakistan continues to think small, it will remain a subcontractor in a changing world order. But if it thinks strategically, it can become a co-architect of regional growth. The time has come to stop viewing the Middle East through the narrow lens of labour export or financial assistance. It is time to see it as a partner in building shared prosperity. Pakistan’s exports of agriculture, knowledge and human capital are pathways to resilience and renewal.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1357503-pakistan-and-the-new-middle-east
Afghanistan
Inam Ul Haque, "Afghanistan's military geography, power centres and our policy morass," The Express Tribune, 13 November 2025
Geography defines Islamabad's torment as Pakistan shares the longest border with Afghanistan, 2,670 km, as compared to Iran's 921 km, Tajikistan's 1,357 km, Turkmenistan's 804 km, Uzbekistan's 144 km and China's 91 km. However, Durand Line affords Pakistan command of heights and militarily effective defensive operations, besides standoff strikes. Border-based retaliation and stand-off attacks accrue more military benefits, as compared to the failed occupation strategy, adopted by USSR and the US-NATO Combine. It also annuls Talibs' advantage and experience in guerilla warfare. Pakistan also knows Afghanistan and Afghans better than any Western power for understandable reasons and has more ingress, influence and clout.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2577150/afghanistans-military-geography-power-centres-and-our-policy-morass
Editorial, "Continued defiance," The Express Tribune, 13 November 2025
Elimination of terrorist safe havens from Afghan soil is a prerequisite for durable connectivity across South and Central Asia — a goal attractive to China and central to regional trade corridors. If terror is allowed to fester, the region will fracture. In the end, the only beneficiary of a fractured region will be the Pakistan-obsessed India, watching instability unfold to its advantage
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2577148/continued-defiance
Security
Durdana Najam, "Ban on TLP," The Express Tribune, 13 November 2025
The TLP ban is therefore not the suppression of dissent but the defence of civility. It marks a turning point where the state, finally, asserts that the sanctity of life, property and dignity of citizens stands above all else. However, banning alone is not enough. Extremism cannot be eliminated solely through legal orders; it must be confronted intellectually and morally. Pakistan must invest in education that nurtures critical thought, promotes civic responsibility and detaches faith from fanaticism. Religious discourse needs to return to its spiritual roots — compassion, justice and tolerance — rather than emotional manipulation.
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2577151/ban-on-tlp