By Syed Atiq ul Hassan
Pakistan is now under the complete control of a military regime that governs through fear, coercion, and fraud. The judiciary, once a pillar of justice, has been hijacked by a corrupt government that answers only to the military…By Syed Atiq ul Hassan from Sydney Australia.
The fairness and independence of the judiciary is the cornerstone of any functioning democracy. Without it, the balance of power collapses, and citizens are left vulnerable to the whims of corrupt governments. In Pakistan, a nation where democratic principles have long struggled to take root, the situation has taken a grim turn. Following the fraudulent election in February 2024, a military-installed government has risen to power, systematically dismantling the country’s judicial and political framework. The most recent blow came with the passage of the 26th Constitutional Amendment, which has plunged Pakistan’s justice system into a new era of politicized control.
Judiciary Under Siege: Pakistan’s judiciary, once regarded as a symbol of hope for millions, has now become the primary target of the military-backed regime. The current fraudulent
government, supported by the military establishment and intelligence agency ISI, has politicized judicial appointments, ensuring that the courts serve its interests rather than uphold the rule of law. This is not just a consequence of a corrupt system—it is the death knell of judicial independence in Pakistan.
The fraudulent February election, manipulated by the military, brought some of the most corrupt and incompetent individuals into positions of power. Key opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), were systematically barred from competing fairly. The Election Commission and even the Supreme Court of Pakistan were complicit in allowing these injustices, fabricating charges against PTI leader Imran Khan to keep him imprisoned and isolated. With over 200 baseless cases brought against him, Khan now languishes in a small jail cell, deprived of basic rights and even access to his legal team and relatives.
The 26th Constitutional Amendment – A Death Blow to Justice: On the dark night of October 20th, the fraudulent government, lacking a legitimate majority in the Senate and federal parliament, pushed through the controversial 26th Constitutional Amendment in a shocking display of bad faith and manipulation. This amendment, passed in the dead of night while 240 million Pakistanis slept, represents a critical step toward the complete collapse of the country’s judicial system.
The amendment hands control of judicial appointments to a committee dominated by fraudulent senators and parliamentarians, many of whom owe their seats to rigged elections and military coercion. The implications are chilling: Pakistan’s judiciary is now fully under the control of the regime, with no checks or balances to ensure fairness or independence. This amendment signals not only the death of justice in Pakistan but also the end of any semblance of democratic governance.
Manipulation of Senate and Parliament: The fraudulent government did not possess the numbers needed to pass such a significant constitutional change. However, with the backing of the military and intelligence agencies, they abducted, tortured, and bribed opposition parliamentarians, forcing them to switch sides. This blatant act of coercion was facilitated by the Chief Justice of Pakistan, Qazi Faez Issa, who had previously altered the constitution to permit opposition members to cross the floor without consequences.
What followed was nothing short of a carefully orchestrated drama, played out under the cover of night. The fraudulent government rammed the bill through the Senate and federal parliament, and within hours, it was signed by the president and became law. The sheer speed and secrecy of these proceedings make it clear that this was not just another act of corruption; it was an assault on Pakistan’s democracy.
Impact on Pakistani Society: The implications of the 26th Amendment and the fraudulent government’s consolidation of power are vast. Pakistan’s judiciary, already ranked among the lowest in the world, has now lost all credibility. The manipulation of the judicial system has deepened the sense of fear and helplessness among Pakistan’s citizens, who no longer have faith in the courts to deliver justice.
Ordinary Pakistanis are deeply fearful for their safety and rights. Hundreds can be seen daily outside foreign consulates offices and embassies desperately seeking visas to escape the country’s deteriorating conditions. The exodus is not just of the poor; many among Pakistan’s educated elite, particularly overseas Pakistanis who contribute over 30 percent of the country’s revenue, are now too afraid to return home. Their remittances, the lifeblood of Pakistan’s economy, are in jeopardy as they consider relocating their families abroad for good.
Media and Political Suppression: The stranglehold on Pakistan’s judiciary is part of a broader campaign of suppression. The national media, once seen as a voice for the people, is now tightly controlled by the military. Every news story, whether print, digital, or televised, is censored before it reaches the public. Political talk shows are pre-screened, and even mentioning Imran Khan’s name on air has been banned.
The treatment of Khan, Pakistan’s most prominent political leader, has reached inhumane levels. Confined to a 10 by 8-foot cell, he is denied even necessities any prisoner should be given. His books, newspapers, and exercise equipment have been removed, and he is forced to subsist on low-quality food. Deprived of visitors, including his family and lawyers, Khan’s health is rapidly deteriorating. The government’s cruel treatment of him is clearly intended to break him mentally and physically—if not to eliminate him entirely.
Global Responsibility and the Call for Justice: The global community, particularly powerful democratic nations like Australia, must take notice of the abuses occurring in Pakistan. The military and intelligence agencies are violating human rights on a massive scale, arresting and torturing opposition leaders and ordinary citizens alike. Thousands of PTI supporters, including women, have been detained without due process, and the brutality continues unabated.
Pakistan is now under the complete control of a military regime that governs through fear, coercion, and fraud. The judiciary, once a pillar of justice, has been hijacked by a corrupt government that answers only to the military. The rule of law is dead, and democracy in Pakistan has been rendered a farce. The people of Pakistan, both at home and abroad, must unite to resist this unlawful government, and the international community must hold the regime accountable for its actions before it is too late. (The writer is a Sydney-based journalist, a political analyst and editor Tribune International, Australia. His email address is shassan@tribune-intl.com).
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