Story perspectives

Judges Resign in Protest Against Controversial Amendment

11/14/2025

Summary

Story summary

Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah resigned on November 13, 2025, in protest against the 27th Amendment.
They called the amendment a grave assault on Pakistan's Constitution.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said it undermines judicial independence and subjugates the judiciary to the executive.
Justice Athar Minallah lamented the erosion of the Constitution he swore to uphold.
The resignations sparked concern within Pakistan's judiciary about legislative interference and democratic weakening.

History

Historical Context

The 18th Amendment, passed on April 8, 2010, transformed Pakistan's governance by shifting from a semi-presidential to a parliamentary system, significantly reducing presidential powers. This change aimed to enhance provincial autonomy and counteract the centralization seen under military rulers like Zia-ul-Haq and Musharraf. Recent judicial resignations highlight ongoing tensions between the judiciary and executive, threatening democratic integrity.

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Story summary

Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah resigned on November 13, 2025, in protest against the 27th Amendment.
They called the amendment a grave assault on Pakistan's Constitution.
Justice Mansoor Ali Shah said it undermines judicial independence and subjugates the judiciary to the executive.
Justice Athar Minallah lamented the erosion of the Constitution he swore to uphold.
The resignations sparked concern within Pakistan's judiciary about legislative interference and democratic weakening.

1 / 2