THE ROLE OF THE JUDICIARY IN POLITICAL INSTABILITY IN PAKISTAN (2020–2025)

Abstract

This study critically examines the role of the judiciary in shaping political instability in Pakistan between 2020 and 2025, a period marked by constitutional crises, electoral controversies, institutional confrontations, and heightened political polarization. Drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Separation of Powers and Judicialization of Politics, the study explores how judicial interventions influenced political processes and democratic governance during a turbulent phase of Pakistan's political development. The research employs a qualitative methodology based on secondary data analysis, utilizing constitutional provisions, judicial decisions, scholarly literature, policy documents, government reports, and media sources to examine major political and judicial developments. The findings reveal that the judiciary performed a dual role: on one hand, it acted as a constitutional guardian by upholding democratic procedures, protecting constitutional norms, and resolving institutional disputes; on the other hand, its extensive involvement in political matters contributed to increased political polarization, institutional tensions, and the growing judicialization of political conflicts. The study argues that while judicial intervention provided constitutional clarity during periods of uncertainty, the frequent reliance on courts to settle political disputes reflected the weaknesses of Pakistan's political institutions. The paper concludes that sustainable democratic stability requires both an independent judiciary and stronger political institutions capable of resolving conflicts through democratic and constitutional mechanisms rather than judicial adjudication. The study contributes to the broader debate on the relationship between judicial power, democratic governance, and political stability in emerging democracies.