Fantasies & constitutional change
WE’RE at that stage of the electoral cycle where calls for instituting a ‘presidential system of government’ gain voice. One difference this time around though is that these calls are…
Changed dynamics
THE 18th Amendment brought new challenges in operational policing, police reforms, public service delivery, accountability, and autonomy. Before debating these, some questions arise. For example, who has the legal mandate…
‘Unconstitutional’ windfall tax–I
Banks have regular windfall income from dealing in foreign currencies – oxymoronic treatment by SRO. 1588(I)/2023 dated 21.11.2023. In Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) is de facto legislature (sic)…
Climate change & finance strategy
This new finance goal is an insurance policy for humanity, amid worsening climate impacts hitting every country. But like any insurance policy – it only works – if premiums are paid…
Constitutional crossroads
The 26th Amendment to Pakistan’s constitution is more than a procedural adjustment – it represents a seismic shift in the balance of power between parliament and the judiciary. Passed with…
Constitutional amendments
CONSTITUTIONAL office holders, including superior court judges and legislators, swear an oath when assuming office. The oath requires them to act in accordance with the Constitution. Does this mean they…
Military’s constitutional role
WHILE expressing his innocent wonder over why our armed forces are “often made the subject of criticism”, Gen Bajwa, our former army chief, recently conceded that this may just have something to…
Making the Constitution work
WHAT could be more ironical than a country experiencing a constitutional breakdown while ‘celebrating’ the golden jubilee of its constitution? Speakers at a commemorative convention held at Parliament House vowed, one after…
Life of the Constitution?
AN effort to rush through a constitutional amendment was barely kept at bay, but statements from the ruling regime indicate that another attempt is likely within the next few weeks. As of…
Is a Constitutional Court the answer?
After the government failed to have its Constitution Amendment Bill secretly rubber-stamped at midnight by oblivious parliamentarians; some in the ruling coalition rushed to disassociate themselves. They admitted to mistakes…
