THIS is with reference to the report ‘JCP convenes today to pick judges for constitutional bench’ (Nov 5), which, among other things, revealed that the Jamaat-i-Islami (JI) had filed a petition in the Supreme Court challenging the 26th Amendment to the Constitution. This was the sixth petition seeking an annulment of the said amendment, underlining the divisive nature of the recent parliamentary move.

The part of the amendment dealing with the tenure length and possible extension in service of the chiefs of the three armed forces may end up affecting leadership continuity within the respective institutions. This has sparked significant debates and discussions across society at various levels.

At a time when there is a perception of outside influence being exerted in civilian affairs, the constitutional amendment appears to give credence to that perception rather than negating it. I believe this is an issue worth discussing openly in society, as it raises questions about the democratic image that Pakistan wishes to project both regionally and internationally.

If these perceptions are bolstered by events and facts in the days ahead, Pakistan’s relations with countries that prefer to engage with civilian democracies might come under pressure. Our diplomatic ties, trade agreements, and regional partnerships could also be affected if the governance model is seen by the world as moving away from the concept of civilian supremacy.

I hope these concerns will spark a broader conversation about the need for a balanced approach to civil-military relations that preserves Pakistan’s democratic integrity and strengthens its reputation on the international stage.

Wasif Khaliq Dad
Rawalpindi

Published in Dawn, November 8th, 2024