In a sweeping constitutional overhaul, Pakistan’s parliament on Wednesday passed a controversial amendment that significantly broadens the powers of Army Chief Asim Munir and simultaneously limits the authority of the country’s Supreme Court.
The amendment, approved by a two-thirds majority in the lower house following its passage in the upper chamber earlier in the week, elevates Munir to the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces, placing the Army, Navy and Air Force under his direct command. Additionally, he is granted lifetime legal immunity after his term ends effectively placing him above civilian oversight and judicial challenge.
On the judiciary front, the amendment removes constitutional cases from the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court, instead reallocating them to a newly established Federal Constitutional Court whose judges will be appointed by the executive. Legal experts and opposition members warn this move undermines judicial independence and concentrates power in the executive-military nexus.
Opposition parties, including the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI), boycotted the vote, arguing the government pushed through the amendment without meaningful debate. The lawmaker turnout in favour was overwhelming, with only four votes against in the National Assembly.
Proponents justify the amendment as necessary for defence modernisation and institutional harmony. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the change recognises the armed forces’ evolving role and aims to strengthen Pakistan’s unified command structure. Critics, however, say it marks a return to unchecked military-dominated governance. The amendment now awaits formal assent by the President to become law.
The implications are far-reaching: for Pakistan’s democracy, civil-military relations and regional stability – especially given the country’s proximity to India and ongoing security challenges in the region.
