Pakistan’s 27th Amendment: Will Field Marshal Asim Munir Gain More Power? Full Story Here

Pakistan’s 27th Amendment is stirring unease could it cement Field Marshal Asim Munir’s dominance by rewriting the Constitution? As Islamabad debates new powers, critics warn of a creeping return to military rule disguised as reform.

Islamabad: A proposed 27th constitutional amendment in Pakistan has ignited fierce debate over the balance of power between civilian authorities and the military, with the role of army chief Asim Munir at the centre of concern.

Shift in military powers

The amendment under discussion would reportedly tweak Article 243 of the 1973 Constitution, which currently states that “the Federal Government shall have control and command of the Armed Forces”.

The change is widely seen as designed to grant constitutional cover for formal recognition of Munir’s rank of Field Marshal and extend his tenure even as his appointment already sets him apart from his predecessors.

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Alongside the Article 243 modification, the amendment is reported to include provisions for establishment of a new Constitutional Court, giving the government power to transfer judges, and returning education and population-planning matters from provinces to the federal level.

Formalising the Field Marshal rank

Munir became only the second person in Pakistan’s history to be elevated to Field Marshal. While the rank is ceremonial, the amendment appears aimed at giving it legal status and securing his post through constitutional provisions.

The tenure of service chiefs was already extended from three to five years in November 2024 a move widely seen as strengthening Munir’s position.

Opposition and concerns

The proposed amendment has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties and legal experts. The Pakistan Tehreek‑e‑Insaf (PTI) has pledged to resist the amendment “using all means”, including a lawyers’ movement.

Lawyers and political figures warn the amendment would erode judicial independence, weaken provincial autonomy, and expand the military’s influence over civilian affairs.

Government position and process

The governing coalition led by Pakistan Muslim League‑Nawaz (PML-N) has reportedly sought support from coalition partner Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). PML-N delegation, headed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, visited the PPP leadership for backing ahead of introducing the amendment.

However, government ministers such as Law & Justice minister Azam Nazir Tarar earlier dismissed any formal work on the 27th amendment, calling it speculation.

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Implications for provincial rights and civilian rule

At the heart of the debate is the concern that the 27th amendment would roll back the landmark 18th Amendment (2010), which devolved significant powers to Pakistan’s provinces. The proposed changes would restore federal control over key domains such as education and population planning- a move critics say would centralise governance and revitalise military-civil power imbalance.

Some constitutional experts warn that “whatever remains of the existing constitutional structure” is at risk of “complete demolition”.

Outlook

For the amendment to succeed, it must be passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, and receive presidential assent.

With growing opposition and high-stakes debate over the future of civilian governance in Pakistan, the 27th amendment has emerged as a focal point in the country’s enduring struggle between democratic rule and military influence.