Islamabad – Pakistan’s parliament has just passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment, giving the army far more power and cutting back the Supreme Court’s authority. The new law puts the military, led by Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, in a position of “de jure” control while limiting the court’s ability to check politicians and the armed forces.
When the amendment was approved, it struck a key clause that had previously let the Supreme Court review cases involving the government and the military. Under the new rule, that power is transferred to a newly created Federal Constitutional Court. The Supreme Court will now only hear limited civil matters, losing its broad oversight role.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, the country’s second Field Marshal after Ayub Khan’s 1959 coup, will become the Chief of Defence Forces. In this role he will have full command over the army, navy and air force, and control of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal. The former position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has been replaced by the Chief of Defence Forces, consolidating military authority further.
The amendment also changes Article 243, which defines the relationship between the federal government and the armed forces. The new wording states that the armed forces are under the federal government, but ultimate command rests with the President—yet the President now acts through the Chief of Defence Forces. This shift effectively removes the civilian government’s direct control over military decisions.
A major new addition to the text is a blanket legal immunity for serving and retired military officers for actions done “in the line of duty.” Critics say this creates a shield for corruption, human‑rights abuses and other misconduct. In previous eras, generals like Zia‑ul‑Haq and Pervez Musharraf could be impeached or prosecuted once martial law ended. The draft no longer offers that safeguard.
Political analysts caution that this concentration of power turns Pakistan into a “constitutional dictatorship in uniform.” With the Supreme Court sidelined, dissent and judicial checks are weaker. Lawmakers and some opposition voices remain silent, perhaps due to fear of repercussions. The shift could embolden militant groups, as the army’s focus may shift from policing unrest to supporting certain religious agendas.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s civilian government will now work with a Parliament that has given the military unprecedented authority. The 27th Amendment is a major step in Pakistan’s long history of coups and army dominance. How the new balance of power will shape the country’s future security, politics and democracy remains to be seen, but the signs point to a tougher military role in everyday governance.
Key terms: Pakistan, 27th Constitutional Amendment, Supreme Court, Asim Munir, field marshal, army control, civilian government, Shehbaz Sharif, federal government, military power, legal immunity, democracy.
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