Photo : Hürriyet Daily News
NIAS Area Studies
PAKISTAN READER
Photo : Hürriyet Daily News
In Focus
Breakdown of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks in Istanbul
On 9 November, Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement that read “anyone following the talks held under the mediation of brotherly countries of Turkiye and Qatar, could easily discern that the Taliban regime was only interested in prolonging the temporary ceasefire, but without taking concrete and verifiable actions against the TTP/FaK (Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan/Fitna-al-Khawarij) and BLA/FaH (Balochistan Liberation Army/Fitna-al-Hindustan) elements present on Afghan soil.” It further noted that the Taliban “prolonged discussions and engaged in futile arguments to stonewall the efforts at reaching any concrete understanding.” On the same day, Turkey’s President Erdogan announced that the country’s Foreign Minister, Defence Minister, and intelligence chief would visit Islamabad to discuss the tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
These developments followed the breakdown of Pakistan-Afghanistan talks on 7 November in Istanbul, where negotiators failed to reach agreement on mechanisms for monitoring and preventing cross-border terrorism. Pakistan’s Defence Minister said the talks were “over” and “entered an indefinite phase,” claiming the Afghan delegation came to Istanbul “without any programme” and were not willing to sign a written agreement. He added that a fragile truce still holds but Pakistan would respond befittingly if there is a ceasefire violation from Afghan’s end.
During the third round of talks, while no direct meeting occurred on 9 November, face-to-face discussions were held earlier in the presence of mediators from Qatar and Turkey. According to Dawn, some Pakistani officials stayed back in Istanbul to work with mediators in an attempt to revive the process. The first round of talks in Doha resulted in a fragile ceasefire, while the second concluded with a broad understanding to establish a mechanism for verifying compliance and a commitment to continue negotiations. The most recent round sought to finalise the procedures for implementing that verification and monitoring framework. Afghan negotiators called their proposals “logical and easily achievable” for Pakistan, but said Islamabad’s demands were “unrealistic and aggressive.” (“Afghan Taliban used talks to prolong temporary ceasefire, not take action against terrorism: FO,” Dawn, 9 November 2025; “Türkiye’s top officials to visit Pakistan next week over tensions with Afghanistan: President Erdogan,” Dawn, 9 November 2025; Baqir Sajjad Syed, “Istanbul talks break down, but truce holds,” Dawn, 8 November 2025)
27th Constitutional Amendment
Senate and the National Assembly’s law and justice standing committees approve the amendement; Opposition condemns and cautions that it would "bury the Constitution"
On 10 November, The News International reported that the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill had been approved on 9 November at the joint meeting of the Senate and the National Assembly’s law and justice standing committees. The meeting was presided by Senator Farooq H. Naek, who stated that the amendment draft had been approved, and that “some adjustments were made following the incorporation of fresh suggestions during the meeting.” He added that the committee has authorised him and Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar to finalise the amendments and that “some changes have been incorporated. All key amendments, including changes to Article 243 pertaining to the military command structure, were approved by both committees. The committee also approved amendments to Article 243 of the Constitution, endorsing the establishment of constitutional courts. Additionally, it approved a provision extending the timeframe for adjudicating pending cases from six months to one year. Under the revised clause, any case left unattended for a year will automatically be considered disposed of.
The Awami National Party (ANP) voiced reservations over the draft, particularly regarding its proposal to rename Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which was deferred after the government requested more time for consultations. The Balochistan Awami Party’s (BAP) proposal to increase provincial assembly seats was also postponed for further review.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed that the proposed constitutional amendment, regarding immunity for the prime minister, tabled by a few senators from the PMLN, be withdrawn immediately. He states that as a matter of principle, an elected Prime Minister must remain fully accountable, both before the court of law and people. Shehbaz Sharif clarified that some senators belonging to his party have submitted an amendment regarding immunity for the PM, but that the proposal was not a part of the cabinet-approved draft.
Opposition members from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam
(JUIF), Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP) and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) boycotted the meeting. PTI Senator Ali Zafar reiterated his party’s firm opposition to the proposed amendment, warning that changing the Constitution was like “tampering with the foundation of a building.” He cautioned that the proposed process for judicial appointments could endanger the judiciary’s independence and neutrality.
Addressing the Upper House, PTI Senator Hamid Khan denounced the 27th Constitutional Amendment, arguing that if the 26th Amendment had marked “the death of the Constitution,” the 27th now sought to “bury it completely.” Further, the Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) also condemned the 27th Amendment, branding it an “assault on the Constitution” and “Pakistan’s 9/11.” The party announced a nationwide protest movement to oppose what it called “a direct attack on the state's foundations.”
Following the joint standing committee’s approval of the amendment, On 9 November, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hosted senators from the PML-N and allied parties, expressing gratitude for their cooperation in securing parliamentary approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. He praised the allied parties for prioritizing national interests over political differences, highlighting that “We are thankful to President Asif Ali Zardari and the heads of all allied parties for their support.”
He further noted that Pakistan’s recent diplomatic achievements were the result of unity among coalition partners, adding that “it is through these collective efforts that Pakistan has gained greater recognition on the international stage.” (“MPs joint panel okays 27th Amendment draft as PM, NA speaker decline immunity,” The News International, 10 November 2025; “Opposition decries 27th Bill as ‘another 9/11’,” The Express Tribune, 10 November 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Provincial government extends ban on gatherings across Punjab
On 10 November, Dawn reported that Punjab’s provincial government has extended the ban on protests, rallies, sit-ins and public gatherings across the province. This fourth time extension will last for a week due to concerns over terrorism and public order. Initially, the government put a ban on 10 October for ten days which later extended several times. The home department asserts restrictions including use of loudspeakers as well as publishing, disseminating or display of any provocative material that may incite public sentiment or disturb inter-faith and sectarian harmony. (“Govt extends ban on gatherings across Punjab,” Dawn, 10 November 2025)
ECONOMY
Medicine costs rises by 32 per cent
On 10 November, Dawn reported that prices of commonly used medicines have increased manifold by an average of 32 per cent since February 2024. The national survey ordered by the Prime Minister finds that the jump in prices comes as the government lifted price controls under deregulation policy. The government aim behind deregulation policy was to p-promote competition and to bring down costs for consumers. However, Outcome turns opposite to government objectives. Moreover, The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) rejected claims of an excessive price increase. (“Price deregulation raises medicine costs by 32pc,” Dawn, 10 November 2025)
IMF, WB warned Pakistan moving towards a perilous tipping point
On 10 November, Dawn reported that during Sustainable Development Conference, International lenders have alarmed Pakistan about growing climate fragility. World Bank and International Monetary Fund warned that unchecked population growth, environmental degradation and depleting natural resources are pushing Pakistan towards a perilous tipping point. (“Fragile future,” Dawn, 10 November 2025)
SOCIETY
Immunization coverage in Balochistan rises to 47 per cent
On 10 November, Dawn reported that full immunization coverage in the province has risen from 38 per cent to 47 per cent within a year. The immunization coverage remained stagnant for five years in the Balochistan province and recovered the pace of the previous year only. Balochistan’s CM noted that “significant improvement” in the province’s public health sector is the result of effective reforms introduced by his government. (“Full immunisation coverage in Balochistan rises to 47pc: Bugti,” Dawn, 10 November 2025)
EXTERNAL
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia vow to deepen defence ties
On 10 November, Dawn reported that during a meeting of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and Chief of General Staff of the Saudi Armed Forces between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, both nations affirmed to enhance bilateral defence cooperation. The CJCSC was conferred with the “King Abdulaziz Medal of Honor of the Excellent Class. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have long shared a multifaceted relationship rooted in strategic military cooperation, and shared Islamic heritage. (“Pakistan, Saudi Arabia vow to deepen defence ties, enhance bilateral cooperation,” Dawn, 10 November 2025)