A mutilated democratic structure, an eviscerated judicial system, crippled fundamental rights — this is the post-27th amendment constitutional landscape of our beloved Islamic Republic of Pakistan!

Once regarded as the classical democratic and consensual charter, the 1973 Constitution has been mercilessly — indeed, shamelessly — subjected to constitutional mutilation at the hands of our ruling elite over the past 52 years, disfiguring the very spirit of constitutionalism in pursuit of their own survival and self-interest.

'Reforms' — progressively labelled, yet each amendment carved deeper wounds, transforming evolution into systematic dilapidation, and advancement into the gradual genocide of constitutional integrity.

Each successive regime has tightened its grip on the levers of power by calculated erosion of institutional structure created to hold it accountable.

Cherished democratic principles — sanctity of fundamental rights, independence of judiciary, supremacy of parliament, rule of........

© The Express Tribune