Destroyed the Constitution
Destroyed the Constitution: In 1984, George Orwell wrote that the Party told people to reject what they saw and heard. Similarly, something like this is happening in Pakistan now.
For decades, military dictators in Pakistan often suspended or scrapped the Constitution. For example, Gen Ziaul Haq once said the Constitution was only a piece of paper he could tear at any time. His words showed the arrogance of power. They also showed his disrespect for a Constitution that an elected parliament had approved unanimously in 1973.
Constitution Destroyed
Later, after Zia died in a plane crash in 1988, leaders restored the Constitution with some changes. After that, Gen Pervez Musharraf suspended it twice, in 1999 and 2007. However, courts did not accept his second action. Even so, neither Zia nor Musharraf damaged the Constitution as deeply as the current parliament has. Moreover, this parliament has a questionable public mandate.
In addition, the 26th Amendment weakened the balance of power. The 27th Amendment has almost destroyed the Constitution. Lawmakers rushed the final steps under the watch of “Big Brother.” As a result, this moment is one of the darkest in Pakistan’s constitutional history.
Judiciary Crushed
Furthermore, the process looked like a puppet show. Many lawmakers defended the amendments without proper consultation. Others simply shouted “aye” and followed party orders. Some had also supported changes under Zia and Musharraf. The government secured Senate votes by encouraging defections from the opposition. Courts had already disqualified many opposition members through doubtful terrorism cases. Therefore, the remaining opposition boycotted the vote, and parliament passed the amendments without any dissent.
Consequently, the amendments destroyed what little independence the judiciary still had after the 26th Amendment. They also erased the appearance of civilian rule. Now, the country is moving toward a military-run, praetorian state.
Hidden Political Control
Meanwhile, the army chief now holds unprecedented powers. Leaders promoted him to field marshal for a four-day conflict with India in May. They also gave him legal immunity and a five-year term, with a possible extension. Additionally, the amendment grants lifetime immunity to top generals and even the president. In contrast, most democracies do not grant such protection, even to elected leaders. But the 27th Amendment protects officials from accountability for illegal actions.
During the debate, the National Assembly atmosphere felt surreal. Ministers praised Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for giving Pakistan the 1973 Constitution. Yet, in the same breath, they claimed the new amendment would strengthen democracy. Their words rang hollow. They talked about democracy while helping destroy it.
At the same time, many politicians acted like puppets. Some senior leaders admitted privately that they knew nothing about the amendment. The secrecy showed how weak Pakistan’s democracy has become. Clearly, manipulated elections created this fragile system.
PPP’s Betrayal
Moreover, the PPP’s role is especially disappointing. Although the party sits in the coalition, it avoided joining the government. Still, it helped pass the amendment that damaged the Constitution it once proudly created. PPP lawmakers spoke about their party’s sacrifices for democracy. Yet, they supported changes that undermined that very legacy.
According to Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, the creation of a constitutional court came from the 2006 Charter of Democracy. However, his claim is out of context. The Charter also supports civilian supremacy and the protection of the Constitution. The 27th Amendment goes against both principles. Ultimately, history will judge today’s PPP leaders very differently from the party’s past heroes.
Supreme Court Question
Now, the big question is whether the Supreme Court will defend the Constitution and whatever little independence the judiciary still holds after accepting the 26th Amendment. Unfortunately, the 27th Amendment has also weakened the unity of the federation.
Published in Dawn, 12th November 2025
