Islamabad |Pakistan is on the brink of a dramatic political transformation as the federal government moves to pass the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a move that will formalize the military’s dominance in governance and consolidate unprecedented power in the hands of Army Chief General Asim Munir. The proposed changes will effectively make Munir the supreme authority over all branches of Pakistan’s armed forces — and by extension, over the civilian government.
For decades, Pakistan’s political structure has operated under the heavy influence of its military establishment. But this time, that dynamic is taking a legal and constitutional shape, triggering intense debate and concern both inside and outside the country.
What the 27th Amendment Proposes
At the heart of the amendment lies Article 243, which currently places supreme command of the armed forces under the President. Under the new proposal, this will change entirely. The government plans to create a new position — the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — who will command all three services: the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
This change also means the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) — currently held by General Sahir Shamshad Mirza — will be abolished once his tenure ends on November 27. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar confirmed in Parliament that no successor will be appointed, as General Asim Munir will himself take over the responsibilities under his new expanded role.
Munir to Hold Three Major Titles
Once the amendment takes effect, General Asim Munir will simultaneously serve as:
- Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
- Supreme Commander of all Armed Services
This effectively makes Munir the most powerful man in Pakistan’s modern history, holding both constitutional and operational authority over the entire defence structure. Political analysts say this development will “institutionalize military supremacy” in Pakistan’s governance, making the civilian leadership — including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — largely symbolic.
Control Over Nuclear and Strategic Forces
The amendment also introduces a new post — the Commander of National Strategic Command, tasked with overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and strategic forces. This position will be filled by a senior military officer, appointed on the recommendation of the CDF (General Munir) and approved by the Prime Minister.
This gives Munir direct influence over Pakistan’s nuclear command chain, a domain traditionally safeguarded by both the Prime Minister’s Office and the National Command Authority.
Special Privileges for Top Military Officers
Officers who attain a five-star rank will receive lifetime privileges — they will retain their uniforms, titles, and special benefits even after retirement. These officers will also enjoy constitutional immunity, meaning they can only be removed through a parliamentary process, not by executive order.
The move has been criticized as a step toward creating a military aristocracy, cementing the army’s role far beyond its traditional security mandate.
Judiciary and Federal Rebalancing
The 27th Amendment does not stop at defence. It also proposes creating a Constitutional Court to reduce what the government calls “overreach” by the Supreme Court. Additionally, the Supreme Judicial Council will be empowered to transfer judges without their consent — a provision widely condemned by the opposition as an attack on judicial independence.
Another controversial clause seeks to reduce the provinces’ share of federal revenue, particularly during economic crises. Matters like education and population planning could also be brought back under central control — reversing years of devolution granted by the 18th Amendment.
Political and Public Reaction
Opposition leaders have slammed the move as the “final constitutional coup”, accusing the Sharif government of surrendering Pakistan’s democratic framework to military control. Civil society groups and legal experts warn that the amendment will undermine the separation of powers and permanently tilt Pakistan toward military rule under a civilian façade.
Despite public dissent, the government is pushing the amendment rapidly through Parliament, where the ruling coalition enjoys a numerical majority.
The Road Ahead
If the 27th Amendment passes, General Asim Munir will become the first individual in Pakistan’s history to formally control all three armed forces, the nuclear command, and indirectly, the judiciary’s oversight.
Observers call it a “de facto monarchy in uniform”, with Munir poised to become not just the military chief — but Pakistan’s most powerful ruler since General Pervez Musharraf.
As one Islamabad-based analyst remarked, “Pakistan has long lived under the shadow of its army. The difference now is — the shadow will be written into law.”
