Pakistan’s influential army chief is set to receive expanded powers, while the authority of the Supreme Court will be limited under constitutional amendments approved by the upper house of parliament on Monday — a move the opposition warns will weaken democracy.
Pakistan, a nation with a long history of military coups, is currently experiencing its longest stretch of elected civilian rule. However, in recent years, as civilian leaders attempted to increase their influence in governance, the military has tightened its control over key state functions without executing a direct takeover.
The Senate passed the bill on Monday within roughly three hours — an unusually rapid process for a constitutional amendment — after opposition lawmakers boycotted the debate. The legislation will now move to the lower house for approval before becoming law.
Under the proposed changes, Army Chief Asim Munir — described by former U.S. President Donald Trump as his “favourite Field Marshal” — will assume overall command of Pakistan’s military forces, including the army, navy, and air force, through a new role titled Chief of Defence Forces. Upon completing his term, he will retain his rank and receive lifetime legal immunity.
Although Pakistan’s military has long held significant influence, the reforms would further strengthen its position through constitutional protection that would be difficult to reverse. Currently, the army chief holds equal status with the heads of the navy and air force, overseen by a chairman of the joint chiefs — a position that would be abolished under the changes.
Additionally, constitutional cases would no longer be handled by the Supreme Court, but by a newly formed Federal Constitutional Court whose judges would be appointed by the government. The Supreme Court has previously blocked government decisions and removed prime ministers, prompting concerns the amendment will weaken judicial independence. Under the reforms, the Supreme Court will focus on civil and criminal matters.
Opponents argue that government-appointed judges will now oversee the most politically sensitive cases, benefitting those in power. The amendments also grant lifetime immunity from prosecution to President Asif Zardari.
“These amendments are for governance, coordination between the federal and provincial governments, and to strengthen defence capability after winning a war,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said, referring to clashes with India in May.
The government maintains that it holds enough parliamentary support to pass the amendments, which were unusually introduced to the Senate over the weekend. A two-thirds majority in both the Senate and National Assembly is required.
Opposition Walkout
The largest opposition party, founded by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, said it was not consulted. Following loud protests in the chamber, opposition lawmakers walked out on Monday when the amendment was presented for debate.
Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) strongly rejected the proposal.
“The amendment serves as a tool for the ruling coalition to bulldoze institutional checks and balances, silence the opposition, restrict fundamental rights, and concentrate power in its own hands,” PTI’s international media spokesperson Zulfi Bukhari told Reuters.
Munir was elevated from General to Field Marshal after the May conflict with India. On Saturday, Law Minister Azam Tarar stated that the rank would receive constitutional protection “because he is the hero of the whole nation.”
The military has not yet commented. However, security officials said the evolution of modern warfare — in which land forces are not always dominant — necessitates unified command across all branches of the armed forces.
