Pakistan set to empower army, curtail SC’s role amending charter

Pakistan’s powerful military is set to gain sweeping new authority after the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which got nod in the upper house, the Senate, on Monday, further consolidating the influence of the armed forces while reducing the powers of the Supreme Court.

Critics and opposition leaders have warned that the move could deal a serious blow to democracy and civilian governance in the country.

The bill — pushed through the upper house in just three hours amid a boycott by opposition parties — will now move to the National Assembly for final approval. Once passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses, the amendment will become law.

Army chief’s expanded authority

Under the proposed changes, Army Chief General Asim Munir will assume unprecedented control over Pakistan’s defence establishment. The amendment introduces a new position — Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — which will consolidate the command of the army, navy, and air force under a single authority. General Munir, who is reportedly close to former US President Donald Trump, is expected to hold this post while retaining his current rank. The amendment also grants him lifetime security and allows him to maintain his title and privileges even after retirement.

Previously, Pakistan’s military structure placed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee above the three service chiefs, including the army chief. However, the new law abolishes that post, placing the army chief at the apex of the entire military hierarchy — effectively giving the military constitutional supremacy over civilian institutions.

Analysts say this formalises what has long been an open secret: that Pakistan’s army already wields the most power in the country, often influencing or directly controlling government policy.

Curtailing the Supreme Court’s powers

The 27th Amendment also significantly weakens Pakistan’s judicial independence. Constitutional cases, which were previously under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, will now be handled by a newly created Federal Constitutional Court. Judges of this new court will be appointed by the government, raising concerns about executive interference and the erosion of judicial autonomy.

The Supreme Court will continue to hear civil and criminal cases but will lose authority over politically sensitive constitutional matters — including those that could challenge government actions or military influence. In the past, the Supreme Court has famously intervened to strike down executive decisions and even dismiss sitting prime ministers, including Imran Khan and Nawaz Sharif.

Political reactions and implications

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the largest opposition party founded by former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently serving a prison sentence, has denounced the amendment, saying it was passed without consultation and represents a direct assault on democratic governance.

“The government is centralising power in the hands of the military while sidelining democratic institutions,” a PTI spokesperson said. “This will have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s political stability.”

Meanwhile, Information Minister Ataullah Tarar defended the amendment, saying it was intended to strengthen coordination between the federal government, the provinces, and the armed forces. Referring to the country’s recent border tensions with India, he claimed the constitutional changes were necessary to enhance national security and defence capabilities.

Presidential immunity and government majority

The amendment also grants President Asif Ali Zardari lifetime immunity from prosecution, a move that has drawn further criticism from legal experts and opposition parties.

The government, however, remains confident of passing the bill in the National Assembly, where it holds a majority. “This amendment will make Pakistan’s governance structure more efficient and secure,” a government source said, downplaying concerns over authoritarianism.

If approved, the 27th Amendment will mark one of the most significant constitutional overhauls in Pakistan’s history — effectively placing the military at the heart of governance, narrowing judicial oversight, and raising fears that civilian democracy in Pakistan is being reduced to a mere formality.