An Analysis of Major Legal and Political Developments in Pakistan from 2013 -2018

Abstract

The period from 2013 to 2018 in Pakistan was marked by significant political developments and reforms that shaped the nation's trajectory. Methodologically, this research study was qualitative and purely based on secondary data which was collected from the Dawn newspapers of the above mentioned era. Resultantly, it has been found that the beginning with the landmark 2013 general elections, which saw Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) emerge victorious, the era witnessed a dynamic interplay of electoral contests, constitutional amendments, and geopolitical shifts. The Panama Papers scandal and subsequent Supreme Court verdict disqualifying Nawaz Sharif in 2017 underscored efforts towards accountability and transparency. The introduction of the National Action Plan (NAP) following the 2014 Peshawar school massacre aimed at combating terrorism reflected broader challenges in security and governance. Constitutional reforms such as the Eighteenth and Nineteenth Amendments, along with the merger of FATA with KP, sought to enhance provincial autonomy and address regional disparities. Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) rose to prominence, culminating in its electoral success in 2018 and subsequent formation of government, signaling a shift in political dynamics. Amidst economic challenges and civil-military complexities, these developments highlight Pakistan's ongoing journey towards political stability, democratic consolidation, and socio-economic progress.