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NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : AFP
In Focus
TTP claims the Islamabad suicide attacks
Defence Minister warns that Pakistan’s attacks on terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan “could not be ruled out”
On 11 November, Dawn reported that a suicide attack outside the premises of the district and sessions court in Islamabad has killed 12 people and injured 36. The incident happened along the sidelines of international events hosted in the capital, including the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference and the 6th Margalla Dialogue, while a tri-nation cricket series featuring Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe was also being held in Rawalpindi. Officials stated that the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) had claimed responsibility for the suicide attack. According to the police, a lone bomber, presumed to be from outside Islamabad, blew himself up at the main entrance to the judicial complex, located in the G-11 sector following several failed attempts to infiltrate the premises. The initial findings record the bomber to have arrived in Islamabad on 7 November and travelled from Pir Wadhai to the judicial complex. Separately, a bomb attack in Dera Ismail Khan killed 14 security personnel, while a security operation to neutralise three terrorists in the Wana Cadet College was simultaneously underway.
Responding to the attacks, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that Pakistan is “compelled” to act in response to the incidents and that attacks on terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan “could not be ruled out” and could definitely happen. “If they want to disturb our peace, then we will have to respond in kind to them, there should be no doubt about it,” he stated. He emphasised that assuming that the Afghan Taliban were sympathisers of Pakistan or were sincere in wanting peace is just a mere illusion, stating that “There should be no misunderstanding about this, it is absolutely clear-cut that the enmity of our neighbour has come out in the open.” He also alleged that “it will be Indian aggression that is being waged in our country through the route of Afghanistan.”
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari held a meeting to discuss national security concerns following several alleged terrorist attacks. The PM and the President condemned the incidents and had an “exchange of views on the country’s overall political and security situation.” An official social media post stated that “Both leaders reaffirm their resolve that actions against foreign-backed terrorists and their facilitators will continue until the complete elimination of terrorism.” In a statement issued by PPP, party chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari asserted that “Terrorists who target innocent civilians deserve no leniency.” The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) also “strongly condemned” the suicide blast. “An incident of this magnitude in the heart of the federal capital raises serious concerns regarding the safety of the legal community as well as of the common citizens,” SCBA President Haroonur Rashid stated. (“Afghan link being probed as terror revisits capital after years,” Dawn, 11 November 2025; “Attacks on terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan ‘cannot be ruled out’, Asif says after attacks rock Pakistan,”Dawn, 11 November 2025; “ ‘No longer a war on borders’: Condemnations pour in following suicide attack in federal capital,” Dawn, 11 November 2025; “PM, president vow action against foreign-backed terrorism in wake of Islamabad, KP attacks,” Dawn, 11 November 2025)
27th Constitutional Amendment
Opposition alliance rejects it
On 12 November, Dawn reported that the opposition alliance criticized the 27th constitutional amendment and vowed to step up efforts to resist and repeal the constitutional amendment in the legislative assembly. Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) claimed that false gods have been created through this amendment. Opposition alliance particularly raised concerns that the judiciary will be bulldozed and some personalities would become above the law. Majlis Wahdat-i-Muslimeeen (MWM) chairman said that in the amendment, the President of Pakistan has been granted complete impunity while judiciary has been controlled. (“Judiciary bulldozed, false gods created by controversial legislation, says TTAP,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
Dawn says that the ex-Chief Justice challenged the 27th Amendment
On 12 November, Dawn reported that Former Chief Justice Jawwad S. Khawaja challenged the 27th amendment seeking directions by the Supreme Court. He states that the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction to determine the lawfulness and constitutionality of the proposed amendment as per the 1973 constitution. Ex CJ has filed a petition to SC to strike down or suspend any provisions that curtail or abolish any constitutional power of the Supreme Court or any other court or body. He alleged that the Supreme Court was on the verge of being abolished as a constitutional court. (“Ex-CJ seeks to protect SC’s jurisdiction,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
“Killing the Constitution” says an editorial in Dawn
On 12 November, an editorial in Dawn titled “Killing the Constitution” expressed concern over 27th constitutional amendment. The editorial accused the federal government of murdering the constitution, calling the 27th amendment the darkest movement in unenviable constitution history, while the 26th amendment had already shaken the very foundation of the trichotomy of power. The editorial highlighted how several times in the past Pakistan has witnessed military dictators abrogating or suspending the constitution.
The editorial alleged that the new amendment will provide constitutional cover to the country’s march towards becoming a praetorian state with unprecedented powers granted to Army Chief. Army Chief 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. The editorial also criticized the assembly members for defending the amendments without any knowledge of provisions. Also some of the members in the assembly are those who have also voted in the past for changes in the constitution in Gen Ziaul Haq and Gen Pervez Musharraf’s military governments. In conclusion, the editorial stated that the 27th amendment will hamper the Judiciary’s autonomy and lead to authoritarianism. (“Killing the Constitution,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Consultations begin for caretaker chief minister in Gilgit-Baltistan
On 12 November, Dawn reported that consultations begin to nominate the caretaker chief minister of GB Assembly. GB assembly’s five-year term ends on 24 November, under GB order 2018, elections must be held within 60 days of assembly term ends. Also, under GB order 2018, in case GB Chief Minister, the opposition leader, and the federal minister fail to reach a consensus on the nomination of a caretaker chief minister, the prime minister of Pakistan as the chairman of GB Council has the discretionary power to appoint a caretaker chief minister. (“Consultations begin in Gilgit-Baltistan for caretaker chief minister,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
ECONOMY
Pakistan's economic vulnerabilities could resurface if global liquidity tightens, says Chief Strategist at Standard Chartered
On 12 November, Dawn reported that Eric Robertsen, Global Head of Research and Chief Strategist at Standard Chartered, said Pakistan could achieve a growth rate of 3.5 to 4 per cent if inflation stays controlled and central bank continues to ease interest rates, although the State Bank of Pakistan may have reached the end of its rate-cutting cycle. Speaking at a media roundtable on 11 November, Robertsen observed that Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators have improved, with single-digit inflation, increasing foreign exchange reserves, and upgrades in credit rating. However, he stated that much of this progress has been caused by external factors. He explained that “there has been excess liquidity in global markets, with central banks worldwide implementing more than 300 interest rate cuts.” This, he said, has lifted nearly all major asset classes such as equities, fixed income, credit, Bitcoin; except oil. While this environment has helped Pakistan, he noted that if global liquidity tightens it could expose the country’s structural vulnerabilities. (Fatima S Attarwala, “Global liquidity masks Pakistan’s fragility: Robertsen,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) sign MoUs with key government institutions to enhance inter-agency data sharing
On 12 November, Dawn reported that the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with key government institutions to enhance inter-agency collaboration on data sharing for evidence-based policymaking and sustainable national development. The MoUs were formalised on the sidelines of DataFest 2025, held on 11 November under the theme “Unlocking Tomorrow with AI,” which brought together experts, innovators, policymakers, and youth leaders to highlight the transformative role of data. PBS partnered with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the National Price Monitoring Committee, and the Planning & Development Department, Balochistan. The Planning Minister highlighted the importance of evidence-based planning, asking youth to view data as the foundation for their future. Secretary Planning and Development recognised PBS’s contributions to major national initiatives, including the Population & Housing Census 2023, Economic Census, and Integrated Agricultural Census. Dawn reported that the event convened both national and international stakeholders to advance Pakistan’s data-driven development agenda including delegations from UNICEF, UNFPA, the World Bank, FAO, UNHCR, and UNDP. (Mubarak Zeb Khan, “PBS builds data partnerships for development,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
JUDICIARY
Federal constitutional court formation underway
On 12 November, Dawn reported that the President Asif Ali Zardari is expected to give his assent to the 27th Amendment Bill by 12 November, paving the way for the establishment of the new judicial body, Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). FCC would initially comprise the chief justice and six other judges. These six judges’ appointments will include four judges from the Supreme court and two judges from the high court. Initial strength will be determined through a Presidential order while subsequent increase would require approval through an act of parliament. The FCC was first introduced in the Charter of Democracy signed by the Pakistan People’s Party and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz in 2006. According to government, the creation of the FCC is intended to reduce the Supreme Court’s workload, ensure timely adjudication of constitutional cases, and strengthen the independence and credibility of the judicial system. (“Justice Amin likely to head federal court as names being decided,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) agree to sign a MoU to curb corruption
On 12 November, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and the United Kingdom’s National Crime Agency (NCA) agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation against corruption. The decision followed a meeting between NAB Acting Chairman Sohail Nasser and NCA Director General Graeme Biggar on 11 November. As per a press release by NAB, the meeting aimed to enhance information exchange and capacity building. Mr Nasser appreciated the NCA’s collaboration in finalising the draft, assuring that NAB was committed to completing all necessary legal formalities at the earliest. He noted that existing cooperation operates through both formal and informal channels and described the MoU as a key milestone in advancing joint anti-corruption efforts. The agreement is expected to facilitate timely cooperation between law enforcement agencies, leading to quicker recovery of stolen assets and improved handling of corruption, financial crime, and money-laundering cases between the two countries. (Syed Irfan Raza, “Pakistan, UK to sign MoU to combat corruption,” Dawn, 12 November 2025)