Pakistan’s constitutional development reflects balance, struggle between democracy, military, institutions
In the 52 years since its adoption, Pakistan’s constitution has undergone 26 amendments, reflecting shifts across both democratic and military regimes that reshaped 270 of its articles.
According to official records, both military rulers and civilian governments introduced sweeping changes to the 1973 constitution. During periods of martial law, military leaders made sweeping changes. General Ziaul Haq amended the suspended constitution 97 times while General Pervez Musharraf made 37 amendments.
Former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto introduced seven constitutional amendments between 1973 and 1977, the first of which, passed in 1974, amended 17 articles. These changes included the integration of federally administered and associated territories and empowering citizens to disclose sources of funding for political parties.
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The second amendment declared Ahmadis (Qadiani and Lahori groups) non-Muslims, while the third increased preventive detention limits for those accused of anti-state activities.
Subsequent changes under Bhutto dealt with judicial tenure, provincial representation and the procedure for a prime minister to seek a vote of confidence through a referendum.
After Bhutto’s tenure, General Ziaul Haq introduced three major changes between 1985 and 1987, revising 27 constitutional provisions and giving constitutional protection to presidential orders and martial law.
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After the end of military rule, Benazir Bhutto’s government passed the 11th Amendment in 1989, extending the parliamentary term from three to four years.
Later, the 12th Amendment in 1991 established special courts and appellate courts, while former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s second term saw four amendments, including the 13th, which restored the Prime Minister’s powers curtailed under the 8th Amendment.
The 18th Amendment, passed during the Pakistan Peoples Party’s tenure, remains the most comprehensive constitutional reform, amending 102 articles to reverse military-era changes, improve provincial autonomy and curtail the president’s powers to dissolve parliament. It also redefined the procedures for appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Heads of Service.
Later amendments further refined judicial appointments, empowered the Election Commission, and introduced military courts to expedite trials of terrorism-related offenses through the 21st Amendment.
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In 2024, Parliament passed the 26th Amendment Bill, which introduced significant judicial reforms, including the formation of constitutional courts, the establishment of the Judicial Council and Commission, transfer mechanisms for Supreme Court judges, and term limits for the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Over five decades, Pakistan’s constitutional evolution continues to reflect the balance and struggle between democracy, military influence and institutional reform.
