Constitutional overhaul to elevate army chief as unified military-boss
In a decisive move that may reshape Pakistan’s power architecture, the federal government is poised to table the Twenty‑seventh Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan (27th Amendment). This constitutional revision is widely seen as aimed at strengthening the grip of Field Marshal Asim Munir by further centralizing military and executive authority.
Among the key proposed changes: amendment of Article 243 to create a new “Commander of Defence Forces (CDF)” role, bringing Army, Navy and Air Force under a unified command. Also on the table: formation of a specialist Constitutional Court, reduction of provincial autonomy, and re-centralization of education and population-welfare ministries.
Government officials argue the reform is necessary to streamline defence operations and strengthen Pakistan’s readiness following recent hostilities with India. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar said the amendment is being introduced “in accordance with law.”
Critics, however, warn this could mark a major rollback of the 18th Amendment’s devolution of powers and exacerbate the country’s suspension of civilian governance. Opposition parties such as the Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) have called the legislation a “power grab”.
With Munir already holding the rare rank of Field Marshal (only the second in Pakistan’s history), passage of the 27th Amendment would carve his position more firmly into the constitutional framework—and escalate concerns over governance, accountability and the future of democracy in Pakistan.
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