US ‘locked and loaded’ as Iran talks continue

Debate over the possibility of holding a national referendum has resurfaced in Pakistan, prompting discussions among political observers and constitutional experts about the legal framework governing such a move. Although the government has made no official announcement regarding a referendum, speculation in political circles has raised questions about when and how a nationwide vote can be conducted under the Constitution. Constitutional experts say Articles 48(6) and 48(7) of the Constitution empower the prime minister to propose a referendum on a matter of national importance. Under Article 48(6), the prime minister may refer such a proposal to a joint sitting of Parliament. If approved by the joint session, the matter can be presented to the public through a referendum in the form of a “Yes” or “No” question. Article 48(7) further provides that Parliament may legislate the procedure for conducting a referendum and determining its results. Legal experts note that, unlike a constitutional amendment, such legislation does not require a two-thirds majority and can be passed through a simple majority of members present, provided the quorum is complete. The renewed debate has also revived interest in the history of referendums in Pakistan. The concept first gained prominence during the political crisis that followed the March 7, 1977 general elections. Opposition parties, united under the Pakistan National Alliance (PNA), rejected the election results, alleging widespread rigging. They later boycotted provincial assembly elections and launched a nationwide protest movement demanding fresh elections, dissolution of assemblies and the resignation of then-prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Despite mediation efforts by Saudi Arabia, negotiations between the government and the opposition failed, and the political deadlock culminated in the imposition of martial law by General Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq on July 5, 1977. Following these developments, constitutional provisions allowing referendums were introduced through the Seventh Constitutional Amendment. Pakistan’s first referendum was held on December 19, 1984, during General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule. While the public was asked to vote on the continuation of the Islamization process, a “Yes” vote effectively extended Zia’s presidency for another five years. Official results declared overwhelming support for the proposal, though opposition parties questioned both the process and the outcome. A second nationwide referendum was held in April 2002 under General Pervez Musharraf. The exercise enabled him to secure another five-year presidential term before the general elections later that year. After the 2002 elections, Musharraf was formally elected president by an electoral college comprising Parliament and the four provincial assemblies under the framework established through the Seventeenth Constitutional Amendment. Political analysts say recent discussions intensified after comments made during a media briefing by the Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), whose carefully worded responses to questions on constitutional matters drew public attention.

Pakistan has expressed disappointment over the European Union’s latest assessment of the country’s performance under the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), saying the report does not accurately reflect the scale of reforms implemented over the past several years. Speaking during the weekly media briefing, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan appreciates that the report acknowledges the country’s legislative progress and continued implementation of the 27 international conventions linked to the GSP+ programme. However, he said the overall assessment presents an unbalanced picture by placing greater emphasis on areas where progress has been slower while overlooking broader reforms. Andrabi said Pakistan has introduced wide-ranging legal, administrative, and institutional reforms since joining the GSP+ scheme in 2014. He maintained that these reforms have strengthened governance, improved labour protections, promoted human rights, and supported sustainable economic development. The spokesperson described GSP+ as one of the most important pillars of Pakistan’s economic partnership with the European Union. He said the preferential trade arrangement has played a significant role in boosting exports, creating employment opportunities, increasing women’s participation in the workforce, reducing poverty, and supporting economic growth. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to constructive dialogue with the European Commission and other European institutions. According to Andrabi, the government remains fully committed to implementing international conventions and continuing reforms aimed at meeting its obligations under the GSP+ framework. He also highlighted that Pakistan’s cooperation with the European Union extends beyond trade. Both sides continue to work together in areas including climate resilience, migration, regional security, counterterrorism, development, connectivity, education, and economic cooperation. During the same briefing, the Foreign Office also rejected allegations made in a recent Amnesty International report regarding Pakistani military strikes in Kabul earlier this year. Andrabi said Pakistan completely rejects the claims, arguing that the report contains serious allegations without credible evidence. He maintained that any military action taken by Pakistan was carried out solely in self-defence and targeted terrorist hideouts and logistical facilities. He said the operations were conducted only after other options had been exhausted and fully complied with the principles of necessity, distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international law. He added that Pakistan exercised restraint despite facing repeated cross-border terrorist attacks. The spokesperson urged the international community to focus greater attention on militant groups operating from Afghan territory. He said organisations such as the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), and other affiliated groups continue to maintain bases and carry out attacks against Pakistan from across the border. Andrabi called on the Afghan Taliban authorities to fulfil their international commitments by preventing terrorist organisations from using Afghan territory for attacks against neighbouring countries. He said the continued presence of militant groups poses a serious threat to regional peace and security. The Foreign Office reiterated that Pakistan reserves the right to take all necessary measures to defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its citizens. Andrabi said no responsible state can ignore repeated attacks on its people and security forces.