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PM SHEHBAZ TAKES COALITION PARTNERS INTO CONFIDENCE OVER PROPOSED 27TH AMENDMENT Friday, 7 November, 2025 | 15 Jamadiul Awwal, 1447
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Rs 20.00 | Vol XVI No 121 | 8 Pages | Karachi Edition
PM BRIEFS PML-Q, MQM, BAP, IPP TO SECURE SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED 27TH AMENDMENT
PTI vows nationwide protests against proposed 27th constitutional amendment Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) central leader Asad Qaiser Thursday warned that tampering with the Constitution amid the country’s fragile political climate is akin to “playing with fire,” as the party intensifies its opposition to the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. In a strongly worded statement shared via tweet on X, Qaiser detailed outcomes from a highlevel PTI meeting chaired by Mahmood Khan Achakzai. The session thoroughly examined the amendment and referenced points raised in a recent tweet by Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. The participants unanimously condemned the proposal as “poison for the country’s system,” arguing that advancing it through an “unrepresentative” National Assembly and Senate, withholding the ap-
pointment of the opposition leaders in both Houses of the Parliament would be reckless and inflammatory. “The production of an unrepresentative Form 47 by the Assembly and Senate, in which even the opposition leaders are not present, and tampering with the Constitution through this Assembly is like playing with fire in the current delicate political situation of Pakistan,” the meeting’s resolution stated, as quoted by Qaiser. The PTI resolved to protest the government’s alleged efforts to “convert the Constitution of Pakistan into the PDM manifesto” at every level and forum. The party announced plans to organize a national conference to rally support and pledged to thwart what it described as the government’s “grand plan” through meaningful engagement with all sections of society, including civil society.
PML-Z chief Ijaz-ul-Haq and National Party MNA Mir Pullain Baloch also held discussions with the prime minister on the matter. The prime minister had also met with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari on November 3 to seek his party’s backing for the same amendment. According to Bilawal’s post on X, a PML-N delegation led by PM Shehbaz had called on President Asif Ali Zardari and him to request the PPP’s cooperation in passing the amendment. Bilawal stated that the federal government’s proposed 27th Amendment
contains a number of significant constitutional reforms. He said these amendments include the creation of a constitutional court, the restoration of executive magistrates, provisions concerning the transfer of judges, and amendments to Article 243 relating to the armed forces. He added that the draft also proposes removing provincial share protections in the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, transferring education and population planning powers back to the federal government, and introducing measures to resolve deadlocks in appointments to the Election Commission of Pakistan.
ISLAMABAD
staff Correspondent
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ISLAMABAD
staff report
S the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) continues its consultations with coalition partners to secure support for the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met delegations from the Muttahida Qaumi Movement– Pakistan (MQM-P), Pakistan Muslim League (PML-Q) and Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). During the meeting with the MQMP delegation, the PM focused on discussions regarding the draft of the amendment and MQM-P’s possible inclusions in the upcoming bill. During the meeting, the MQM-P delegation, led by Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, presented its proposals and reservations concerning the amendment, outlining conditions under which it might extend its support. The Prime Minister handed over a draft of the amendment to the MQM-P and take the party into confidence before moving the bill in parliament.
Following the internal consultations, the MQM-P is expected to announce whether it will support or oppose the proposed changes. Another statement by the PMO said the premier also met a delegation of the PML-Q, which was led by Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and discussed the proposed constitutional amendment. The PML-Q delegation also included Senator Kamil Ali Agha and MNAs Mohammad Ilyas Choudhary and Farukh Khan. Separately, a delegation of the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP) led by Aleem Khan also called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House. In the meeting, the PM Shehbaz Sharif took the IPP leadership into confidence regarding the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Later, a Balochistan Awami Party (BAP) delegation — including Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi and Senator Manzoor Kakar — pushed for increased representation for Balochistan in the provincial and national assemblies under the proposed amendment.
KP CM slams ‘system above constitution’ after denied meeting Imran for 5th time ISLAMABAD/PESHAWAR staff report
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi on Thursday sharply criticised what he described as an “unprecedented blockade of constitutional rights,” after he was once again denied a meeting with PTI founder and former prime minister Imran Khan at Rawalpindi’s Adiala Jail—marking the fifth such refusal since he assumed office on October 15 despite explicit Islamabad High Court (IHC) directions. Speaking to reporters outside the jail, the KP CM said that he could meet neither Imran Khan nor the chief justice of the IHC earlier in the day, despite waiting 90 minutes at the court. Afridi has repeatedly attempted to meet the incarcerated PTI leader under the twice-a-week visitation schedule restored by the IHC in March but has been refused access each time. “As you all know, we have tried every constitutional and legal route. This is the fifth time,” Afridi said. “After waiting an hour and a half, we couldn’t meet the IHC chief justice, so we came here—and once again, I was denied permission. This entire system, exposed by my leader Imran Khan, is before you.” He lamented that “people with clouded judgment” accused the PTI of trying to provoke unrest, but insisted he had “continuously tried to remove the fog clouding their judgment”. Afridi further alleged that “some people have become more powerful than institutions”, claiming officials had told him they were unable to act “without orders from the top.” PTI Protest Outside IHC Earlier, PTI workers staged a protest outside the Islamabad High Court over the repeated denials of the KP CM’s meetings with Imran. The party said Afridi had reached the IHC for “legal proceedings” and would proceed to Adiala Jail afterward.
COAS Munir, UK Army Chief reaffirm defence cooperation in key GHQ meeting RAWALPINDI
staff report
The British Army’s Chief of the General Staff (CGS), Gen Sir Charles Roland Vincent Walker, called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on Thursday, as Pakistan and the United Kingdom reaffirmed their intent to deepen defense cooperation amid a shifting regional security landscape, according to the military’s media wing on Thursday. In a statement, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said, “The two army chiefs discussed matters of mutual interest, the broader regional environment, and avenues to enhance bilateral defence collaboration. Both sides “reiterated the need for continued cooperation to ensure peace and stability in the region.” Gen Walker praised the Pakistan Army’s “achievements and sacrifices in the fight against terrorism” and its sustained efforts for regional stability. Upon arrival at GHQ, he laid a floral wreath at Yadgar-i-Shuhada and received a guard of honour from a Pakistan Army contingent, the ISPR said. Thursday’s engagement follows Field Marshal Munir’s recent
PM, Turkish Interior Minister reaffirm deepening bilateral strategic cooperation ISLAMABAD
saleem Jadoon
Interior Minister of the Republic of Türkiye Ali Yerlikaya, who is on an official visit to Pakistan, called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s House on Thursday, reaffirming the deeprooted strategic partnership and the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors. During the warm and cordial meeting, the prime minister welcomed the Turkish minister and his delegation, noting that the visit underscored the strong fraternal ties binding Pakistan and Türkiye. He conveyed his sincere regards to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to further expanding cooperation in security, counter-terrorism, counternarcotics, police training, disaster management, trade and economic development. The Prime Minister also appreciated Türkiye’s consistent and unwavering support for Pakistan’s position on key regional and international issues. He expressed special gratitude to the Turkish leadership for facilitating the ongoing peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan in Istanbul. Thanking the Prime Minister for the warm hospitality extended to him and his delegation, Interior Minister Yerlikaya conveyed greetings from President Erdogan and reaffirmed Turkiye’s strong desire for deeper collaboration in law enforcement, intelligence-sharing, and disaster management. The Prime Minister was assisted in the meeting by the Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister, the Interior Minister, the Minister of State for Interior, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, Chairman NDMA, the Interior Secretary, and the Foreign Secretary. Pakistan and Türkiye agree to establish a Joint Working Group Meanwhile, Pakistan and Turkiye on Thursday agreed to establish a Joint Working Group to further deepen cooperation between the interior ministries of both countries, as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held delegation-level talks with his Turkish counterpart, Ali Yerlikaya in Islamabad.The Joint Working Group, to meet four times a year, will serve as a structured forum to advance collaboration in key areas of mutual concern. During the meeting, both sides held comprehensive consultations on counterterrorism, counter-narcotics, human trafficking, border security, cybercrime, coast guard operations, and police cooperation.
Pakistan rejects ‘baseless’ claims of denying entry to Hindu community members ISLAMABAD
staff report
visit to Egypt, where he met Egyptian Armed Forces’ Chief of Staff Lt Gen Ahmed Khalifa Fatehi and Defence Minister Gen Abdul Maged Saqar for security consultations. The two chiefs last met earlier this year during COAS Munir’s fiveday official visit to the United Kingdom in February. During that visit, he delivered the keynote address at the 7th Regional Stabilisation Conference at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and held meetings with the UK’s then Chief of Defence Staff Admiral Toney Radikin, National Security Adviser Jonathan Nicholas Powell, and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to discuss shared security challenges. UK–Pakistan defence exchanges have remained frequent. In May 2024, then-CGS Gen Sir
Patrick Sanders visited Pakistan— accompanied by Gen Walker as CGS-designate — and addressed the 6th Pakistan-UK Regional Stabilisation Conference at Islamabad’s National Defence University. Gen Sanders also called on COAS Munir in May 2023, acknowledging Pakistan Army’s sacrifices in counterterrorism operations. CJCSC strengthens defence ties with Brunei Separately, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza concluded an official visit to Brunei Darussalam, where he called on Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and senior civil-military leadership to discuss expanding military-to-military cooperation.
Pakistan on Thursday firmly rejected what it called “unfounded and misleading” allegations that members of the Hindu community were denied entry into the country, stressing that the matter was purely administrative and involved individuals with incomplete documentation rather than any religious consideration. Foreign Office Spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi, responding to media queries, said the assertions being circulated were “entirely baseless” and part of yet another attempt to distort facts and politicize a routine immigration decision. He said the High Commission for Pakistan in New Delhi had issued more than 2,400 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India to participate in the birth anniversary celebrations of Baba Guru Nanak Dev Ji from 4–13 November 2025. On 4 November, a total of 1,932 pilgrims successfully entered Pakistan through the Attari–Wagah border, while around 300 visa holders were stopped by Indian authorities and not allowed to cross over. “The entire immigration process on the Pakistani side was smooth, orderly and free of any hindrance,” Andrabi said.
Pakistan, Afghan Taliban enter crucial third-round talks in Istanbul to lock in ceasefire mechanism ISLAMABAD/ISTANBUL staff report
Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban on Wednesday entered a crucial third round of talks in Istanbul, renewing efforts to end cross-border terrorism and give permanence to a fragile ceasefire that has held since last month’s deadly border clashes. The latest engagement—jointly mediated by Türkiye and Qatar—is aimed at finalizing an agreed mechanism for ceasefire implementation, monitoring, and verification. According to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both sides have agreed to establish a system to track and act against violations, with a formal mechanism expected to be settled during the ongoing round. Before departing for Istanbul, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated Pakistan’s uncompromising position: “Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism. We only engage in dialogue when there is a possibility of progress — otherwise it’s a waste of time.” He stressed that attacks on Pakistan
from Afghan territory “must stop”, expressing hope that the Taliban would act responsibly for regional peace. Sources confirmed that both sides are expected to settle the modalities for implementing the ceasefire, which was reached on October 15 following a series of border skirmishes between October 11 and 15. This is the third engagement since the clashes. Earlier talks were held in Doha, followed by a second round in Istanbul, but a final agreement has remained elusive. Delegations from both sides arrived in Istanbul on Wednesday for two days of negotiations under the mediation of Türkiye and Qatar. Pakistan’s delegation is being led by Lt Gen Asim Malik, Director General of InterServices Intelligence (ISI), and includes senior officials from the military, intelligence agencies and Foreign Office. The Afghan Taliban’s team comprises GDI chief Abdul Haq Waseq, Deputy Interior Minister Rehmatullah Najib, spokesperson Suhail Shaheen, Anas Haqqani, Qahar Balkhi, Zakir Jalali and Afghanistan’s chargé d’affaires in Ankara.
Focus of the talks A joint statement issued by the Turkish foreign ministry after the previous round confirmed that all sides had agreed to maintain the ceasefire and put in place a monitoring and verification mechanism that would ensure compliance and impose penalties for violations. The statement said principal-level talks were scheduled for November 6 to finalise implementation. A diplomat from one of the mediating countries earlier told Dawn on condition of anonymity that the two sides would review progress made during the previous round and attempt to settle the modalities of the monitoring mechanism agreed in principle last week. Officials in both Islamabad and Kabul, however, have kept expectations modest. Pakistani military and intelligence officials have reiterated that Islamabad’s stance remains unchanged: Afghan soil must not be used for terrorism against Pakistan. “The Pakistan military and intelligence service have a single-point agenda — the end of terrorism,” military spokesperson Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said earlier this week.
– rejects Kabul’s claims over Chaman clash, says firing started from Afghan side ISLAMABAD
staff report
Pakistan on Thursday firmly dismissed Afghanistan’s accusation that Islamabad provoked fresh firing along the Chaman–Spin Boldak border, insisting the latest exchange was initiated from the Afghan side and was swiftly contained by Pakistani forces. The rebuttal comes as high-level delegations from both countries are engaged in a crucial third round of talks in Istanbul to reinforce and expand the fragile ceasefire agreed after five days of intense border clashes last month. In a post on X, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said Kabul’s allegations were “strongly rejected,” stressing that Pakistan’s forces only responded after Afghan units opened fire. “Firing was initiated from the Afghan
side, to which our security forces responded immediately in a measured and responsible manner,” the ministry wrote, adding that the situation was quickly brought under control due to the “responsible action by Pakistani forces”. It further noted that the ceasefire remained intact and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to the ongoing talks, saying Pakistan “expects reciprocity from Afghan authorities”. Earlier, Afghan Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid claimed Pakistani forces opened fire in the Spin Boldak district while negotiations were underway in Istanbul. “While the third round of negotiations with the Pakistani side has begun… Pakistani forces once again opened fire on Spin Boldak,” he wrote, asserting that Taliban forces had refrained from responding in order to respect the negotiation process and avoid civilian casualties.