Pakistan: Asim Munir set to gain more powers as Shehbaz govt mulls major amendment to constitution

Shahbaz Sharif has confirmed that he will soon introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Parliament, which includes proposed changes related to the command of the armed forces.

New Delhi: Is the military about to rule Pakistan? This question is being raised as the terrorist country plans to amend its constitution, which will give the military even more power.

Shahbaz Sharif has confirmed that he will soon introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Parliament, which includes proposed changes related to the command of the armed forces. Critics fear that this move will further strengthen Asim Munir's grip on Pakistan.

Speculations sparked after Bilawal's tweet
Speculation about constitutional changes began after a tweet by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, in which he stated that the government had approached him for support for the 27th Amendment.

Furthermore, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed these reports while speaking in the Senate, the upper house of the Pakistani Parliament, on Tuesday. He said, "Of course, the government is bringing it and will bring it. The 27th Amendment will come and is about to come. We will try to introduce it in accordance with principles, laws, and the Constitution."

What is in the proposed amendment?
According to Pakistani media reports, the proposed changes under the 27th Amendment include changes to Article 243 of the Constitution, which governs the appointment of the Army Chief and the command of the armed forces.

The proposal reportedly also includes the establishment of constitutional courts, streamlining the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner, reinstatement of executive magistrates, and transfer of judges.

It also proposes reducing the provincial share of federal resources, transferring control of the ministries of education and population welfare from the provinces to the federal government, and eliminating protections for provincial share under the National Finance Commission.