The 18th Amendment and the Demise of Article 58(2) (B): Transforming Pakistan’s Democratic Landscape

Abstract

The 18th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, passed in 2010, marked a critical juncture in the country’s constitutional and political evolution. Among its most significant reforms was the repeal of Article 58(2) (B), which had empowered the President to unilaterally dissolve the National Assembly. This paper analyzes the historical context, political implications, and democratic impact of abolishing this controversial provision. By examining the amendment's role in strengthening parliamentary sovereignty, curbing presidential overreach, and fostering institutional balance, the study highlights how the 18th Amendment contributed to the consolidation of democratic norms in Pakistan. Furthermore, it evaluates the amendment’s broader implications for civil-military relations and provincial autonomy, arguing that its enactment represents a decisive shift toward democratic resilience in Pakistan’s tumultuous political landscape