Raza Rabbani expresses deep concern about ‘decline of civilian authority’

On the second day of the Karachi Literature Festival on Saturday, a panel discussion was held on the constitution and the rule of law, featuring prominent politician and constitutional expert Senator Raza Rabbani.

He highlighted the importance of revisiting the structure of the Constitution and addressing key questions about Pakistan’s statehood and its evolution since independence.

Senator Rabbani pointed out that the 26th Amendment is the latest change to the Constitution. “We need to focus on the fundamental question — what is the structure of the Constitution? What is the role of the state of Pakistan, and what has it achieved since its inception?” He questioned.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, envisioned a liberal democratic state. However, over time, Pakistan became a security-focused state.

“The military leadership, in collaboration with various groups, worked to maintain their grip on power,” he said.

Referring to the 1973 Constitution as a significant achievement with broad consensus, he said that despite multiple military takeovers, the Constitution itself was never altered. “The core issue remains that the primary purpose of Pakistan’s creation was civil supremacy,” he stated.

Senator Rabbani expressed deep concern about the decline of civilian authority. “In my lifetime, I have never seen such a low point for civilian supremacy as we are witnessing today. Military interference has increased to such an extent that civil supremacy cannot be restored without addressing it,” he stated.

He criticized the judiciary’s role in legitimizing military interventions. “The judiciary has been used by the military-bureaucratic complex in unprecedented ways, with courts validating military takeovers through their decisions,” he said.

The panel concluded with a call for strengthening democratic institutions and restoring the balance of power to ensure civilian supremacy and adherence to the rule of law in Pakistan.