Pakistan’s government has taken a historic and controversial step toward reshaping its military and constitutional framework. On Saturday, the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was formally tabled in the Senate, following approval by the federal cabinet.

The bill — described by analysts as one of the most sweeping structural changes in Pakistan’s history — elevates the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to the new, constitutionally enshrined position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), effectively placing Field Marshal Asim Munir above all other service chiefs and consolidating military command under a single office.

Field Marshal Munir to head all three services

According to reports by Dawn, the amendment rewrites Article 243 of the Constitution, formally creating the position of Chief of Defence Forces — a post that will be held by the serving Army Chief, who will now serve simultaneously as the head of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This move cements General Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal, a title already announced by the government, but now given permanent constitutional status.

The amendment also abolishes the office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) — Pakistan’s long-standing coordinating post among the military branches — effective November 27, when the tenure of current CJCSC General Sahir Shamshad Mirza ends.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told Parliament that no new CJCSC will be appointed. Instead, General Munir will directly take over those responsibilities as Chief of Defence Forces, making him:

  • Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
  • Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
  • Constitutionally the highest-ranking uniformed authority in Pakistan

Expanded powers and lifetime privileges

Under the new structure, the President will appoint the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force based on the Prime Minister’s advice, while the CDF will have operational command over all three services.

The bill also creates a Commander of the National Strategic Command, responsible for overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear and strategic arsenal. This commander will be an Army officer, appointed by the Prime Minister on the CDF’s recommendation — effectively extending the Army Chief’s control to nuclear command and strategic forces.

In addition, officers who achieve five-star ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will now:

  • Retain their uniform, title, and privileges for life
  • Be assigned post-retirement roles determined by the government
  • Enjoy constitutional immunity similar to that of the President
  • Be removable only through a parliamentary process akin to impeachment

Tarar clarified that Parliament, not the Prime Minister, will hold the authority to revoke such titles, giving the legislature formal — though largely symbolic — oversight.

Judicial overhaul: a new Federal Constitutional Court

The 27th Amendment also extends beyond military reform. Its second half introduces sweeping changes to Pakistan’s judicial system by establishing a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).

According to Geo News, the FCC will:

  • Handle constitutional interpretation, disputes between governments, and cases under Article 199
  • Reduce the jurisdiction of the existing Supreme Court
  • Have judges appointed through a joint process involving the President, Prime Minister, and Parliament
  • Provide equal representation to provinces
  • Be led by a Chief Justice serving a three-year term

Legal experts have warned that the reform could “dethrone” the Supreme Court, turning it into a “Supreme District Court” limited mostly to appeals. Former Additional Attorney General Tariq Mehmood Khokhar cautioned that the changes “tighten executive control over the judiciary and empower the FCC by disempowering the Supreme Court.”

However, others have defended the proposal as a forward-looking reform, arguing that separating constitutional and appellate functions could reduce case backlogs and depoliticise the judiciary — aligning Pakistan’s system with models in several European democracies.

Political reaction and controversy

The proposed amendment has deeply divided Islamabad’s political and legal circles. Supporters say it “modernises” command structures and judicial efficiency, while critics see it as a consolidation of military dominance and an erosion of civilian oversight.

The timing has further fuelled debate. The bill’s introduction follows delicate coalition negotiations and comes just months after Asim Munir’s elevation as Field Marshal.

According to Dawn, the proposal gained traction after PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari revealed that PML-N leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had sought PPP support for constitutional reforms.

Government allies claim the move “formalises existing realities” and honours national heroes, while the opposition warns it will permanently alter Pakistan’s civil-military balance.

Historic shift in Pakistan’s power structure

If passed, the 27th Constitutional Amendment will mark one of the most consequential defence reforms since the 1980s, merging the top military offices under a single commander, expanding the Army Chief’s constitutional reach, and redefining Pakistan’s highest judicial authorities.

Analysts say the amendment could reshape Pakistan’s governance model, formalising the military’s long-standing influence over civilian affairs while transforming the Supreme Court’s constitutional role.

Whether hailed as reform or condemned as regression, the move represents a defining moment in Pakistan’s political evolution — one that may redraw the balance of power for decades to come.