The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced by Pakistan’s federal
government and passed by the Senate on November 10, is not a simple or
routine change. It marks a major shift in how the Pakistani state is
structured. Once approved by the National Assembly, it will officially
turn Pakistan’s system from an informal military-dominated setup into one
where the military’s control is written into the Constitution.
A key part of the bill changes Article 243 of the Pakistani Constitution,
which deals with the command and control of the country’s defence forces.
This article defines how power is shared between the Prime Minister
(head of government) and the President (head of state) in military matters.
The proposed changes would remove the civilian government’s limited control
and give more authority to the military.
The main changes under Article 243 include:
Ending the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee
(CJCSC) from November 27.
Creating a new position called Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), which will be
held by the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Setting up a new Commander of National Strategic Command, who will be
an army officer chosen by the Prime Minister based on the CDF’s
recommendation.
Giving lifelong constitutional protection to 5-star officers, such
as Field Marshals, including legal immunity and protection from being
removed from office.
In simple terms, this amendment gives huge power to General Asim Munir,
the current Army Chief. He will automatically become the CDF, gaining full
authority over the army, navy, and air force, as well as the control of
Pakistan’s nuclear weapons. His promotion to Field Marshal will now have
legal backing, and he will receive lifelong immunity from any legal action
or dismissal.
Before these changes, the military already had a strong influence over
Pakistan’s politics, economy, and society. But with this amendment, the
saying “Pakistan is not a country with an army; it is an army with a
country” now feels more true than ever.