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…
Vicious cycle
THE dual issue of the presence and use of draconian laws against political opponents continues, cementing the impression of weak rule of law, violation of due process and the vengeance…
Balochistan’s undying dream
WHOEVER wishes to understand Balochistan’s political travails, and the aspirations and frustrations of its long-suffering people, should read the history of their political awakening and the formation of their first…
Testing times ahead
THE new government has assumed power in a deeply divided country. The political polarisation in evidence today has few parallels in Pakistan’s recent history, with the social media amplifying the…
Power and accountability
RECENT political developments have made one thing very clear: Pakistani citizens lack the knowledge of how various government institutions function. Hence, they are prone to believing the disinformation peddled by…
A fatal flaw
AS the dust settles on the change in government in Islamabad, existing answers as to why these events unfolded in the manner and speed that they did remain unsatisfactory. There’s…
The case for a constitutional court
Parliamentary legislative competence is the authority of a parliament to amend or repeal laws and the constitution. Under Article 239, Pakistan’s parliament can alter the constitution with a two-thirds majority.…
Supreme stakes: the extra judges debate
A bill is brought before the Senate by a private member. Increase the cap on Supreme Court judges, it demands. Nay, comes the reply. And as the opposition leader gives…
Trouble at the start line
RARELY have I seen things as scattered and messy as they are today, in the realm of economic management in any case. At the epicentre of the mess is the…
Bellicose democracy
A FEW recent developments provide some examples of how the deep state systematically encroaches upon the citizens’ constitutional freedoms and fundamental rights. The government, through an SRO, recently allowed personnel…
