How seeking democracy in Pakistan is chasing a mirage

The article examines Pakistan’s judiciary and its longstanding subservience to the military. Highlighting the 27th constitutional amendment, which strengthened the army chief’s authority and created a Constitutional Court, it argues that judicial independence remains largely illusory. Historically, the judiciary has relied on the “doctrine of necessity” to justify coups, from Ayub Khan to Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s execution and Pervez Musharraf’s treason trial. The Pakistan army dominates both civilian and military structures, with elites and the public acquiescing due to fear of India. The piece concludes that liberal opinion and democratic aspirations in Pakistan remain largely ineffective, constrained by entrenched militarism and ideology.