Pakistan Army Chief Granted Lifelong Immunity in Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan’s parliament has approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment, granting sweeping powers and lifetime legal immunity to the country’s army chief, Asim Munir. Under the new law, Munir will hold the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces, giving him formal command over the army, navy and air force. The amendment also ensures that once he reaches or is appointed to the rank of Field Marshal, he will retain that rank and remain protected from prosecution for life.
Major Shift in Judicial Oversight and Military Command
In addition to expanding Munir’s authority, the amendment curtails the power of the country’s Supreme Court by creating a new Federal Constitutional Court whose judges will be appointed by the executive. The move effectively diminishes judicial checks on the military-executive complex and consolidates control over constitutional interpretation under the government and armed forces.
Domestic and International Response
Critics warn that this legislation erodes democratic norms by formalising the military’s role in governance and removing accountability mechanisms. Opposition parties describe the amendment as a “constitutionalisation of military rule”. The government however argues that the reforms are necessary for institutional cohesion and national security.
