Politics, Establishment and Pakistan’s Constitutional Crises
Pakistan’s democratic journey has been repeatedly shaped—and shaken—by power struggles between civilian governments, the military establishment and a fragile constitutional framework. In this session, we revisit key moments of constitutional derailment, analyze the persistent imbalance between institutions, and examine how legal ambiguities and political maneuvering have deepened the crisis. Can the country learn from its past to chart a more stable and democratic future? Join us as we explore the intersections of politics, power and the constitution—where mistakes are many, lessons are urgent and the path ahead remains uncertain yet crucial.
About the Speaker:
Hamid Khan is a prominent Pakistani politician, constitutional expert and Supreme Court advocate, currently serving as a Senator in the Senate of Pakistan. He is also the Senior Vice-President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). He served as a member of the Pakistan Bar Council for an unprecedented six consecutive terms from 1990 to 2020. He also held the position of President of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan from 2001 to 2003. His books on constitutional and legal matters are widely used in Pakistani law schools and considered essential reading for students and practitioners alike.
About the Discussant:
Dilawar Hussain holds a doctorate in constitutional and parliamentary affairs and currently serves as visiting faculty at Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. There, he teaches courses on the constitutional and parliamentary history of Pakistan. He has previously worked as a research fellow at the School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Scotland. His areas of expertise include the parliamentary, political, constitutional, and electoral history of Pakistan. Dilawar Hussain is also affiliated with the House of Lords in the British Parliament, contributing to comparative research on governance and democratic institutions.
This session is free and open to all. Just visit the venue to attend it.
The Black Hole
Plot 5H, Street 100, G-11/3, Islamabad.
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