Pakistan’s Army Chief Gets Life Immunity, Wider Powers

Pakistan’s parliament has approved a sweeping constitutional amendment that grants the country’s army chief indefinite legal immunity and significantly broadens their powers, while concurrently diminishing the authority of the Supreme Court. This legislative action has provoked strong backlash from opposition factions, who contend that it jeopardizes democratic governance and the independence of the judiciary. The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill garnered substantial backing in the National Assembly, passing with more than a two-thirds majority. This followed its earlier endorsement by the Senate. The amendment will now proceed to the President for final ratification. A pivotal change introduced by the bill is the conferral of the title ‘Chief of Defence Forces’ (CDF) upon the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This new designation formally places the army chief at the apex of Pakistan’s military hierarchy, commanding the army, navy, and air force. This constitutional expansion of powers makes General Asim Munir, the incumbent army chief, the most influential military figure in Pakistan’s history. The bill also mandates that honorary military titles, like Field Marshal, will be retained for life, even after an officer’s retirement. In a move aimed at restructuring the judicial landscape, a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) will be established to handle constitutional interpretation, thereby curtailing the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over such matters. The government will appoint the judges to this new court, which will operate independently. The position of Chief Justice of Pakistan will be redefined for future occupants, becoming the most senior judge across both the Supreme Court and the FCC. Critically, the FCC will be barred from reviewing high treason cases, a stipulation that critics argue provides immunity to the military and state establishment. Opposition leaders have strongly denounced the amendment, characterizing it as an assault on democracy and judicial autonomy, while the Prime Minister has lauded the vote as a testament to national solidarity.