Are Protests Against the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan Growing?
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Synopsis
Protests intensify in Pakistan as activists from PAT and ST rally against the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it an attack on democracy and a threat to provincial resources. Join the movement demanding justice and constitutional integrity!
Key Takeaways
- Protests against the 27th Constitutional Amendment are gaining momentum in Pakistan.
- Activists are concerned about the exploitation of Sindh's resources.
- Corporate farming is perceived as a threat to local communities.
- Participants are advocating for the restoration of constitutional rights.
- Upcoming protests are planned to mark 'Black Day' across the nation.
Islamabad, Nov 17 (NationPress) Members of the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and its women's faction, Sindhiyani Tehreek (ST), persist in their demonstrations against the 27th Constitutional Amendment, corporate agriculture, new canals on the Indus River, honour killings, and the plundering of resources in Sindh province, as reported by local media on Monday.
The protest march took place on Sunday, commencing at Jail Road and concluding at the local press club, where multiple leaders addressed the gathered crowd, according to Pakistan's prominent daily, Dawn. Key figures like PAT President Vasand Thari, Noor Ahmed Katiar, Lal Jarwar, Dr. Rasool Bux Khaskheli, and Abdul Qadir Ranto spearheaded the event.
Vasand Thari described the 27th Amendment as “more detrimental than the post-hybrid system and an assault on democracy.” He accused the authorities of manipulating the Constitution, suspending basic rights, and undermining the judiciary through this amendment, which allows unrestricted access to Sindh's mineral and other resources for the ruling class.
Thari also labeled corporate agriculture as a scheme to dispossess marginalized communities, asserting that vast tracts of land are being allocated to corporations. He vowed to oppose any efforts aimed at fracturing Sindh, emphasizing that initiatives like the six canals, Kalabagh Dam, and Bhasha Dam are part of a broader agenda to forcibly seize Sindh's water resources.
Resolutions adopted by rally participants condemned the distortion of the Constitution, the suspension of fundamental rights, and the incapacitation of the judiciary, which have resulted in a constitutional dictatorship. They criticized the lifetime immunity granted to the President and Field Marshal under the 27th Amendment, asserting that it places them above the law and the 250 million citizens, effectively establishing a form of monarchy.
On November 14, the opposition coalition, Tehreek-i-Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), vowed to engage in protests using all democratic avenues to restore the Constitution to its original form following the contentious passage of the 26th and 27th Amendments. The TTAP announced that the upcoming Friday would be designated as a 'Black Day' across Pakistan.
On November 13, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari ratified the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which had received approval from both parliamentary houses. This bill has now been integrated into the Constitution.
His endorsement followed a second round of voting in the Senate, where the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill was passed amid protests from the opposition. Previously, the bill was approved by the National Assembly on November 12 and consists of 56 clauses, as reported by The Express Tribune.
Initially, the bill was introduced in the Senate for a vote last Monday and passed on the same day. It was then sent to the National Assembly, which made amendments before passing it on Wednesday. Subsequently, the legislation was reintroduced in the Senate to review the changes proposed. Pakistan's Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reintroduced the bill in the upper house on Thursday.
Point of View
The ongoing protests against the 27th Constitutional Amendment reflect deep-seated concerns among the populace regarding governance and resource management. The situation demands careful attention to ensure democratic values and civic rights are upheld.
NationPress
17/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 27th Constitutional Amendment?
The 27th Constitutional Amendment is a recent legislative change in Pakistan that has been criticized for undermining democracy and suspending fundamental rights.
Why are protests occurring in Pakistan?
Protests are being held primarily against the 27th Constitutional Amendment, corporate farming practices, and the exploitation of Sindh's resources.
Who is leading the protests?
The protests are led by the Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) and its women's wing, Sindhiyani Tehreek (ST).
What do the protesters want?
Protesters are demanding the restoration of the Constitution to its original form, protection of fundamental rights, and an end to resource exploitation.
What is the significance of the 'Black Day' declared by the TTAP?
The 'Black Day' serves as a symbolic protest against the 27th Constitutional Amendment and aims to raise awareness about the perceived injustices within the legal framework.
