DON never dies

The doctrine of necessity (DON) changes its forms but never dies in our country. The DON has been invoked in Pakistan in different forms to justify illegal or unconstitutional actions based on the argument that such actions are necessary to prevent greater harm. In the NRO case (2009), the Supreme Court apparently killed and buried the DON, but later decisions clearly indicate that it is alive but under different shapes and names.

This reflects an ongoing tension between the judiciary and parliament, with both bodies seeking to assert their roles in Pakistan’s governance framework, raising concerns about the potential erosion of the constitution’s balance of power.

Sajid Awan

Dubai

UAE