Pakistan is abuzz with discussions about a potential 27th Constitutional Amendment that could grant unprecedented powers to Army Chief General Asim Munir. The government is reportedly considering changes to military command structures and aiming for constitutional recognition of the Field Marshal rank. This legislative push is widely viewed as an attempt to solidify General Munir’s position and extend his influential tenure beyond his scheduled retirement this November.
The proposed amendment is expected to bring about significant alterations to Article 243, which governs the command of Pakistan’s armed forces. The political climate for such a move is developing, with Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari acknowledging that the government has approached him for support regarding the 27th amendment.
The scope of the contemplated amendment appears to extend to broader institutional reforms, including the establishment of a new constitutional court separate from the Supreme Court. Additionally, the federal government might reassess power-sharing arrangements with provinces, potentially reclaiming authority over sectors such as education and population planning, and influencing fiscal distribution mechanisms.
However, the proposal has ignited significant debate and opposition. Critics argue that the amendment could compromise the independence of the judiciary and consolidate executive power. There are also serious concerns that such a move could exacerbate political tensions and challenge the fundamental principle of civilian supremacy, a recurring theme in Pakistan’s governance history.
For the 27th Amendment to become law, it must be approved by a two-thirds majority in both the National Assembly and the Senate. While the government has sufficient numbers in the National Assembly, securing the necessary votes in the Senate, which is more politically diverse, will necessitate broad political consensus and likely support from opposition parties.