The Pakistan Judiciary Crisis 2025 deepened after two senior judges of the Supreme Court of Pakistan — Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah — resigned over the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. They argued that the amendment undermines judicial independence and violates the core principles of Pakistan’s constitutional democracy.
⚖️ Background: The 27th Constitutional Amendment
Parliament passed the 27th Amendment in November 2025, and it was swiftly signed into law by President Asif Ali Zardari.
The amendment restructures the judiciary and introduces a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional disputes, limiting the Supreme Court’s previous powers.
Justice Shah called it “a grave assault on the Constitution”, while Justice Minallah said the Constitution he swore to protect “is no more.”
How the Amendment Reshaped Pakistan’s Judicial Structure
- The Federal Constitutional Court replaces parts of the Supreme Court’s authority.
- The Judicial Commission of Pakistan now allows greater executive input in judge appointments.
- These changes sparked criticism across the Law and Justice community for threatening checks and balances.
Why Judges Resigned Amid the Pakistan Judiciary Crisis
Justice Shah stated that remaining in a “truncated court” would mean endorsing a constitutional wrong.
Justice Minallah, in his letter, reflected that “these robes we wear are reminders of trust — now symbols of betrayal through silence.”
Both resignations are seen as a direct protest against what many call Pakistan’s biggest judiciary crisis in decades.
Political and Legal Implications for Pakistan
The 27th Amendment and the subsequent Pakistan Judiciary Crisis have shaken public confidence in constitutional justice. Analysts argue the changes could weaken democracy and increase executive control.
- Civil society groups warn of reduced transparency.
- Legal experts predict long-term institutional instability.
- The Politics section on PukaarPakistan continues to monitor these developments.
The resignations of Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Athar Minallah highlight a historic moment in Pakistan’s constitutional journey. Their protest over the 27th Amendment is a call to safeguard judicial independence and uphold the true spirit of democracy.
Stay updated on this evolving story through PukaarPakistan’s Law & Justice section for credible, balanced reporting.
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