In 2024 Pakistan’s legislative landscape was marked by rapid legal reforms that reshaped the nation’s political, judicial, and economic frameworks. The year saw the passage of several controversial laws, some of which were pushed through with unprecedented speed, bypassing parliamentary debate and opposition concerns. The government enacted legislation aimed at consolidating, reforming institutions and addressing emerging sectors.
Political instability, economic crises, security concerns, and climate challenges are the key factors influencing law making in 2024. Below is an analysis of the five most significant laws passed in Pakistan in 2024, their implications and public reactions.
1. Twenty-Sixth Constitutional Amendment (2024)
Background & Context
Passed in October 2024, the 26th amendment changed the process of appointing Pakistan’s Chief Justice, shifting power from the judiciary to a parliamentary committee. The amendment was introduced amidst tension between the government and the supreme court, with the government seeking great control over judicial appointments and functions.
Who Proposed it?
The law is proposed by the Federal government under the coalition led by PM Shehbaz Sharif (PMLN).
Key Features:
- Replaced the seniority-based appointment of the Chief Justice with Empowered a Parliamentary to nominate the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
- Limits the Chief Justice’s tenure to 3 years.
- Reconstituted the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, allows the government to influence Judicial appointment.
- Limited Supreme Court’s suo motu powers, transferring them to a Judicial Committee.
Source: National Assembly of Pakistan 26th Amendment.
Legislative process: The amendment was introduced by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar and passed swiftly by both houses of the parliament during a late night session. Opposition parties, including PTI, boycotted the voting process, calling it a judicial coup (The Guardian).
Reactions: Critics, including opposition parties and international observers like The International Commission of jurists, legal experts, and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights viewed the amendment as an encroachment on judicial independence. While the government and supporters of the amendment claim it prevents judicial activism and also it’s a step forward towards accountability.
Analysis & Impact: While the amendment aims to democratize judicial appointments, it raises concerns about the separation of powers and potential politicization of the judiciary.
For the short term this amendment will further erode trust in judicial impartiality, but for the long term it risks deepening political interference in courts, weakening checks and balances.
2. Punjab Defamation Act (2024)
Background & Context
In May 2024, the Punjab Assembly passed the Defamation Act, aimed at combating “fake news” and defamation across various media platforms. However, the law sparked debates over press freedom and censorship.
Who proposed it?
The law proposed by the Punjab government led by Mariyam Nawaz (PMLN).
Key Features:
- Allowed individuals to file defamation suits against those spreading false information on social media.
- Established special tribunals to adjudicate defamation cases within six months.
- Permitted the High Court to hear charges against individuals holding constitutional positions.
- Imposed fines up to Rs. 3 million for offenders.
Source: Punjab defamation Act(2024)
Legislative process: The bill was introduced by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, the bill was passed amid opposition walkouts and protests from journalists and civil society organizations.
Reactions: The act sparked widespread protests from journalists, opposition parties, and civil societies organizations, who labeled it a black law threatening freedom of expression. Over 80 civil society organizations and journalist bodies condemn the law as a tool for suppressing dissent (Dawn).
Analysis: While addressing fake news is crucial, the laws’ broad provisions and expedited legal processes may infringe upon civil liberties and press freedom. The Human Rights commision of Pakistan expressed serious concerns over the law.
3. Extension of Military Chiefs’ Tenure
Background & Context
In November 2024, Parliament of Pakistan passed legislation extending the tenure of the heads of the armed forces from 3 to 5 years. Part of a series of military reforms, this law extends the tenure of military chiefs and strengthens the army’s legal authority.
Who proposed it?
The army act amendment 2024, was proposed by the Federal government under the coalition led by PM Shahbaz Sharif (PMLN).
Key Features:
- Extended the terms of the Army, Navy and Air Force chiefs from 3 to 5 years.
- The 64-year retirement age for generals, air marshals, and admirals does not apply to the COAS and other services chiefs.
- Services chiefs can be re-appointed or their services extended for another five-year term.
- Applied the extension to current military leadership, including Army Chief General Asim Munir, whose term now extended to 2027.
Source: National Assembly Of pakistan
Legislative process: The bill, introduced by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, was passed by both houses of a parliament in a swift session, despite opposition protests. During the voting session, opposition members disrupted proceedings, chanting slogans, surrounding the speaker’s dais and tearing copies of the bill in protest (Express Tribune).
Reactions: Opposition parties criticized the legislation as consolidating military influence over civilian affairs. Critics argued that it undermined democratic principles and was rushed without proper debate. The government and supporters of the amendment argued that it was necessary to ensure continuity in national security leadership.
Opposition leader Omar Ayub criticised the extension of the military chiefs’ tenure, stating, “It has ruined the careers of many officers” (The Express Tribune)
Analysis: The extension may provide leadership continuity but also raises concerns about the balance between civilian and military autonomy. It further risks eroding civilian democratic control.
4.Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority Act (2024)
Recognizing the economic potential of cannabis, the federal government established a regulatory framework for its cultivation and commercialization for medicinal and industrial purposes in September 2024.
Who proposed it?
Federal government under a coalition led by PM Shahbaz Sharif (PMLN) proposed it.
Key features:
- Created the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority (CCRA) under the Cabinet Division.
- Regulated the cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and sale of cannabis for medicinal and industrial purposes.
- Issued license for cannabis-related activities, valid for five years.
- Aimed to generate government revenue and attract foreign investment in the cannabis sector.
Source: Ministry of Law and Justice
Legislative process: Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazir Tarar introduced the Cannabis Control and Regulatory Authority bill, 2024. The bill was passed by the National Assembly and received presidential assent, formalizing the establishment of CCRA (Dawn).
Analysis: The law positions Pakistan to tap into the global cannabis market, potentially boosting the economy and creating jobs, provided that regulatory mechanisms are effectively enforced.
5. Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Act (2024)
Pakistan has one of the highest child marriage rate globally. In August 2024 Pakistan’s National Assembly passed a landmark bill to ban child marriage in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), raising the minimul legal marriage age to 18 for both genders. Though the bill was passed from the senate in May 2025. It was a pivotal development in 2024 signaling Pakistan’s intention to address child protection and align federal laws with child welfare standards (The Guardian).
Key Features:
- Sets the minimum legal marriage age at 18 for both males and females in Islamabad.
- Criminalizes underage marriage, introducing stringent penalties:
- Up to seven years in prison for individuals facilitating or coercing children into early marriage, including family members, clerics, and registrars.
- Categorizes sexual relations with minors as statutory rape, with adult men marrying underage girls facing up to three years in prison.
- Replaces outdated legislation introduced under British colonial rule.
Source: Dawn news
Who Proposed It?
The bill was introduced in the Senate by politician Sherry Rehman, following its introduction in the National Assembly by Sharmila Farooqi. Senator Naseema Ehsan, who married at 13 and suffered health complications from early motherhood, was a vocal supporter of the bill.(The Guardian)
Reactions: Activists are happy with this bill and applauded it, but at the same time they want to enhance its jurisdiction, they demand nationwide enforcement of the bill not only limited to Capital. On the other hand religious leaders argued the bill is un islamic.
jamshed Kazi, Pakistan’s representative for UN Women, emphasized its importance amid global setbacks in gender equality. UN Women Pakistan commends the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan for the historic passage of the Islamabad Capital Territory Child Marriage Restraint Bill 2025.
Conclusion
The legislative developments of 2024 reflect Pakistan’s efforts to navigate complex challenges through the legal framework. While some laws aimed to strengthen institutions and economic growth, others raised alarms about the erosion of democratic principles and civil liberties. As Pakistan navigates these changes, it faces the challenge of balancing governance reforms with the preservation of fundamental rights and judicial independence. The coming years will be crucial in determining how these laws shape the nation’s trajectory and its commitment to democratic ideals and societal progress.
