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In Focus
Opposition stages nationwide protests against the 27th Constitutional Amendment; terms the amendment “un-Islamic”
On 22 November, Dawn reported that the Tehreek Tahaffuz Aiyeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), a coalition of several opposition parties, staged protests across Pakistan against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and state oppression. Protesters clad in black armbands called for the “supremacy of the Constitution,” and the release of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) party founder Imran Khan. The protestors denounced the 26th and 27th Amendments and condemned the recent changes to cybercrime laws, claiming that it was an attempt to shield “powerful personalities” from accountability and bolster the establishment.
Protests across provinces
In Islamabad, a protest march was organised outside the Faisal Mosque, led by Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Mehmood Khan Achakzai, the nominated leader of the house in the National Assembly, Salman Akram Raja, Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar and other TTAP leaders. Abbas stated that the campaign was “for the people and the country” and pledged to “continue our struggle against the state oppression." He alleged that “this government is a bunch of oppressors and usurpers,” and that the Constitutional Amendment, the recent changes to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and other measures, particularly by the Punjab government, amounted to “tyranny against the citizens of this country.” Achakzai reiterated that the IMF had also highlighted “rulers’ corruption” and that the incumbent regime was “installed by stealing others’ mandate.” He asserted that “we have supporters in every city and we will build a new Pakistan, a democratic Pakistan.”
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the demonstrations were staged on the instructions of provincial PTI President MNA Junaid Akbar, following the TTAP’s announcement. The protests were organised at the district level, where PTI workers chanted slogans against state institutions and carried portraits of Imran Khan. In Peshawar, dozens of PTI supporters gathered outside the city’s press club. The protest was addressed by Provincial Minister for Local Government Meena Khan Afridi, MNA Sher Ali Arbab, and other leaders. Afridi stated that Imran Khan had presented two options to the TTAP leadership. The first was to hold negotiations with “the powers that be” to sort out all outstanding issues, and if talks failed, the second option was a peaceful countrywide protest. He further decried the Constitutional amendment and the granting of lifetime immunity to certain people was “un-Islamic.”
In Karachi, PTI staged a protest in front of the Karachi Press Club (KPC). The party’s Sindh president, Haleem Adil Sheikh, stated that the 27th Amendment had “distorted and damaged the very spirit of the Constitution” and that its forcible imposition is a violation of the public will. He asserted that “the so-called government formed through Form-47 has been manoeuvred into place only to secure personal interests,” and that the 26th and 27th amendments had been “outrightly rejected by the nation."
The demonstrations in Punjab were small and sporadic, and the PTI failed to make a significant impact on the first day, reported Dawn. PTI Chief Organiser Aliya Hamza, who had given the protest call, claimed partial success and attributed the shortcomings to “massive oppression, especially in Lahore, where the city president (Usman Akram) was arrested.”
Authorities responded with a heightened police deployment and a series of arrests, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, where opposition leaders alleged that their protest drive was being suppressed through intimidation and detentions. In the Mirpurkhas division of Sindh, local PTI chapter chief Aftab Qureshi and more than two dozen party workers were taken into custody, while dozens of others were detained in Karachi and Hyderabad. (“Opposition protests ‘state oppression’, fresh tweaks,” Dawn, 22 November 2025; “TTAP observes ‘Black Day’ against 27th Amendment,” The News International, 22 November 2025)
In Brief
POLITICS & GOVERNANCE
Federal government schedules inaugural meeting of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) after multiple postponements
On 22 November, Dawn reported that the federal government had scheduled the inaugural meeting of the 11th National Finance Commission (NFC) for 4 December, after multiple postponements since August. The session, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, will set the framework for technical and legal discussions on vertical (Centre–province) and horizontal (inter-provincial) resource sharing. The agenda includes: a strategy for deliberations and formation of sub-groups, ten-minute fiscal position briefings by the Centre and all provinces, and agreement on the schedule and locations for future meetings.
What are the NFC’s main tasks?
The 11th NFC, comprising the federal finance minister, four provincial finance ministers and four non-statutory members, must recommend the distribution of net proceeds from five key federal tax categories, including income tax, sales tax on goods, export duties, excise duties and other presidentially specified taxes. It is also mandated to propose grants-in-aid to provinces, principles for federal and provincial borrowing, and arrangements for financing Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), Gilgit-Baltistan and the newly merged districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
What are the key pressures and debates?
In accordance with IMF suggestions, the Centre seeks greater provincial cost-sharing for natural disasters, health programmes and major infrastructure, and a shift from population-based transfers towards performance and local government activation. This comes in the backdrop of the 7th NFC award, which raised the provincial share to around 59 per cent, but this was offset by federal petroleum levies and the use of provincial cash surpluses. Both the Centre and provinces also failed to meet agreed revenue-raising targets, meaning the overall money pool is tight. The finance ministry, armed forces and IMF call for more resources to stay with the Centre, but this faces constitutional limits, as provincial shares cannot be reduced without consensus. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to consult coalition allies on the NFC before the formal sitting. (Khaleeq Kiani, “Govt finally calls inaugural National Finance Commission session on Dec 4,” Dawn, 22 November)
Developments in Balochistan:
Tensions continue over the removal of Balochistan CM
First, PML-N and PPP leaders have rejected claims that Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti will be removed. They dismissed Senator Mir Dostain Khan Domki’s statement as having no basis, stating that CM Bugti continues to enjoy the full support of all coalition partners. On 21 November, they said this appeared to reflect Senator Domki’s personal view, noting that the central leaderships of both parties had neither discussed nor considered any such move.
Second, the PML-N’s parliamentary leader said that following Senator Domki’s remarks, he consulted the National Assembly speaker and that the party leadership would question the senator for issuing such statements without authorisation. “Personal disagreements may occur, but statements against party policy are inappropriate,” he added. “The PML-N will continue supporting Chief Minister Bugti under all circumstances. Balochistan faces serious challenges, including external threats, but the situation is gradually improving,” he said. The PPP parliamentary leader also negated the Senator’s claim, stating that “no individual, who is not a member of the PPP, has the authority to issue policy statements about the party.”
Social and political engineering would increase radicalisation in Balochistan, warn experts
On 22 November, Dawn reported that experts warned social and political engineering in Balochistan is likely to increase radicalisation and polarisation. On 21 November, speaking at a discussion named “Building Bridges: A Stakeholder Consultation on Tolerance and Inclusivity,” organised by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), lawmakers, lawyers, academics, religious scholars, human rights activists, political workers and civil society representatives shared their views. Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M) leader and former senator Sanaullah Baloch said that social and political engineering in the province had led to behavioural changes in society. “This is a wrong approach that cannot bring tolerance and inclusivity in the province,” he stated, adding that it has created more actors who may fuel extremism and radicalisation. Leader of the opposition in the Balochistan Assembly said people’s demands for rights should not be mislabelled as terrorism. According to the news report, Maulana Hidayatur Rehman Baloch, MPA and chief of the Haq Do Tehreek, a rights movement, said one must move beyond an ‘Islamic/un-Islamic’ mindset and examine the root causes of extremism and intolerance. (Saleem Shahid, “PML-N, PPP leaders deny claims Balochistan CM Bugti will be removed,” Dawn, 22 November 2025; Saleem Shahid, “Experts in Quetta warn against political engineering in Balochistan,” Dawn, 22 November 2025)
Jamaat-e-Islami chief on the 27th Amendment, Kashmir and Gaza
On 22 November, The News International reported that a large crowd from across Pakistan gathered at Lahore’s Iqbal Park on 21 November as Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) launched its “change the system” themed Ijtima-e-Aam. Over 150 delegates from more than 45 countries attended the convention, which JI presented as a reflection of Islam’s message of unity. JI chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, in his keynote address, spoke at length about the history of Muslims in the subcontinent.
First, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman criticised proponents of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, adding that “there is no immunity for anyone in the system run by Allah Almighty.” He spoke about the issue in religious terms and said that both civil and military bureaucracy contribute to Pakistan’s political problems, calling for politics to be allowed to follow its “natural course.”
Second, on Kashmir, he reiterated that “we won’t compromise on the cause of Kashmir. Pakistan belongs to Kashmir and Kashmir belongs to Pakistan,” while recalling JI’s support for the government during past India–Pakistan conflicts.
Third, on foreign policy, he stated that “supporting US resolution on Gaza will lead Islamabad to nowhere” and cautioned against joining the Abraham Accords, saying this would reduce Pakistan to a “puppet for the US.” (“JI chief cautions govt against endorsing Abraham Accords,” The News International, 22 November)
JUDICIARY
FCC sets up filing desk, receives two appeals
On 22 December, Dawn reported that the newly established Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) of Pakistan, under the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act, has formally opened a dedicated Filing and Information Desk on the premises of the Islamabad High Court. The desk will provide information and assistance to litigants, lawyers, and the general public, and it started its operations by receiving two fresh cases. One appeal against the Sindh High Court decision in a family property dispute, seeking the prevention of harassment and the protection of fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution. (“Federal Constitutional Court sets up special desk, receives two fresh cases,” Dawn, 22 November 2025)
Security forces kill 13 terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 22 November, The Express Tribune reported that security forces had killed 13 Tehreek-e-Taliban terrorists during intelligence-based operations carried out in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province. Two joint operations were carried out on 20 and 21 November in the Lakki Marwat and Dera Ismail Khan districts. After an intense exchange of fire and the killing of the terrorists, sanitization operations are underway in the affected areas. Intelligence-based operations would continue under the counterterrorism campaign (Azm-e-Istekam), approved by the Federal Apex Committee on the National Action Plan. (“Security forces kill 13 terrorists in K-P operations,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2025)
PAKISTAN-AFGHANISTAN
Foreign Office warns that trade relations with Kabul will not be tolerated as “a licence to kill Pakistanis”
On 22 November, The Express Tribune reported that Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Pakistan has exhausted its patience with cross-border attacks launched from Afghan territory, cautioning that the country will not permit trade or transit to proceed if it endangers Pakistani lives. “We cannot allow trade to become a licence to kill Pakistanis,” he stressed, noting that recent attacks targeting civilians, security personnel, and traders had crossed a red line. He emphasised that the closure of border crossings and the suspension of trade with Afghanistan were direct consequences of continued support by elements within the Afghan Taliban administration for terrorist groups, including Fitna al-Khwarij and Fitna al-Hindustan.
Andrabi further underlined that the viability of key regional initiatives such as TAPI, CASA-1000, and UAP depends on Afghanistan ending this support and preventing attacks on Pakistan. Pakistan welcomed mediation efforts from regional actors, including Turkey, Iran, and Russia, and clarified that the delay in the Turkish delegation's visit is due to scheduling and not Pakistan's non-cooperation. He reiterated that Pakistan is open to dialogue but is looking for concrete outcomes. Responding to questions about the Afghan trade minister’s visit to India, Andrabi said that Pakistan respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and its bilateral engagements, but reiterated that relations between Islamabad and Kabul must rest on merit and should not be shaped by third-party influence. On India–Pakistan relations, Andrabi stated that Islamabad remained cautious over New Delhi’s assurances of India not going to war. (“Patience wearing thin with Kabul over TTP,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2025)
EDITORIALS/OPINIONS
Politics
Editorial, “Rising political heat,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2025
“The PTI is in a pushback mode as it is pushed to the wall. The highhandedness and extrajudicial measures that the party is being subjected to are uncalled for and are quite unbecoming of a civil and democratic order. This evolving standoff and the discrimination being meted out to the opposition should come to an end. Likewise, the ruling coalition is at a failure as it refuses to duly notify Mehmood Achakzai as the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly. Allowing that will help in engaging the opposition on the floor of the house and create reliable channels for a well-deserved dialogue. The PTI too must rescind from its tough positions and make room for a congenial outcome.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578506/rising-political-heat
External
Editorial, “Trade with EU,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2025
“The upcoming review of Pakistan's GSP+ status by the European Union marks a stressful moment for the country, as the preferential tariff agreement that almost single-handedly led to the Union becoming our biggest trading partner may be under threat due to concerns over several domestic governance and human rights issues. What some thought would be a done deal is now worrying pessimistic analysts because of recent comments by the EU Ambassador to Pakistan that the country needs to "do more" to comply with GSP+ conditions. But Islamabad remains far from meeting several conditions in those 27 conventions, especially in terms of human rights, labour standards and governance.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578507/trade-with-eu
Society
Editorial, “Gender violence crisis,” The Express Tribune, 22 November 2025
“A shocking new report should serve as a grim wake-up call for authorities in Punjab. According to the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO), at least 85 women face violence daily in Punjab, a devastating figure that includes an average of nine women who are sexually assaulted each day. The data was compiled from police records for the first half of 2025 and exposes a crisis that demands an immediate and resolute response. And while some analysts may say that increased reporting reflects improved police performance, it is clear that age-old structural challenges continue to hinder justice and protection for survivors.”
https://tribune.com.pk/story/2578508/gender-violence-crisis
Provinces
Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, “Provincial autonomy,” Dawn, 22 November 2025
“While after a long and painful journey, we may have been successful in settling most of our legal issues regarding federalism, the political forces are apparently not conducting politics in the true spirit of the constitutional provisions regarding provincial autonomy. In general, political parties continue to be the proverbial lengthened shadows of their top leaders and there is hardly any ‘devolution’ of powers from the central figure to the provinces. The overall organisation of most of the parties is weak, but as one goes down the hierarchy from federal to local, there is a steep decline in the powers and autonomy of sub-national organisations.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1956668/provincial-autonomy
Afghanistan-Pakistan
Editorial, “Questions for Kabul,” Dawn, 22 November 2025
“While the Taliban are often dismissive of Pakistan’s concerns in this regard, it will be hard for them to brush aside the issues raised by the UN body. The sanctions committee has reaffirmed what Pakistan has been saying for long: that the Taliban are supporting the TTP, and that terrorist groups in Afghanistan can destabilise the entire region. The Afghan Taliban’s responses to these grave concerns have been ambiguous, from stating that the TTP are Pakistan’s problem, to claiming they are hosting Pakistani ‘refugees’, to saying that no TTP terrorist is based on their territory. As is evident, the international community is not buying the Taliban’s explanations.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1956672/questions-for-kabul
Economy
Editorial, “Privatising PIA,” Dawn, 22 November 2025
“...the PM’s explicit call for complete transparency in the upcoming sale of the national carrier amounts to an admission of past failures. Whether this directive translates into a process transparent enough to withstand public scrutiny remains to be seen. Yet the focus on transparency does signal awareness that credibility of PIA’s sale is essential for successful privatisation efforts. The assurances extended by the Privatisation Commission chairman that prospective buyers of PIA will not be offered any guarantees must help reinforce public trust in the transparency of the privatisation process. PIA’s sale is positioned as Pakistan’s first major privatisation in nearly two decades and remains a key structural benchmark under the IMF’s $7bn bailout programme. The successful sale of 75pc of PIA’s shares with management control in a transparent manner to one of the four prequalified bidders is crucial not only for meeting IMF programme requirements but also reviving the privatisation agenda and demonstrating the government’s commitment to reforms.”
https://www.dawn.com/news/1956670/privatising-pia
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