Pakistan, Nov. 12 -- Pakistan's constitutional history is filled with a recurring cycle of the same power struggles. The 1973 Constitution established a parliamentary democracy where a clear separation of powers and provisions to uphold the judiciary's independence were at its cornerstones.

In its constitutional journey, the judiciary has often been at the centre of a complex struggle between upholding its independence and facing political manoeuvrings. Amendments introduced by both civilian and military regimes altered the balance of power between state organs and curbed the judiciary's independence. In September 1985, General Zia-ul-Haq passed the 8th amendment, which was aimed at bringing about a balance of power by changing the syste...