Pakistan has taken a drastic political turn. The government has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a move that effectively cements Field Marshal Asim Munir’s dominance over the country’s military and governance system.
This amendment not only extends his tenure indefinitely but also restructures Pakistan’s defence command — drawing strong comparisons with the era of Pervez Musharraf, when the military and government operated under one man’s control.
What Is the 27th Constitutional Amendment?
The amendment proposes major changes to Pakistan’s military command system. At its core lies the creation of a new, all-powerful position: the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
- The CDF will command Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, consolidating authority under a single leader.
- The position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) will be abolished.
- Field Marshal Asim Munir will assume the CDF role, making him the supreme military authority in Pakistan.
- The new law also ensures lifetime privileges and legal immunity for anyone who attains the rank of Field Marshal.
In effect, this makes Asim Munir nearly irremovable — his powers will be protected by constitutional law.
Why Is Pakistan Centralising Power Now?
Several factors appear to be driving this move:
- Security Pressure from India:
India’s increasing frequency of large-scale military exercises, such as the recent Trishul drill, has reportedly alarmed Pakistan’s defence leadership. Officials claim that centralising command will enable a faster and more coordinated response to any external threat. - Domestic Political Instability:
Pakistan’s civilian government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has limited popular support. Analysts say this weakness has allowed the military — and particularly Asim Munir — to take firm control of national decision-making. - Historical Precedent:
Pakistan has a long history of military takeovers, from Ayub Khan to Pervez Musharraf. The 27th Amendment, however, is different — instead of a coup, it legalises military supremacy through constitutional reform.
Creation of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)
The newly proposed CDF position is designed to unify command structures across all three branches of Pakistan’s military.
- The CDF will oversee operational strategy, defence planning, and coordination between the services.
- The role will answer directly to the Prime Minister, but in practice, the CDF’s authority will outweigh that of any civilian leader.
- This is the first time in Pakistan’s history that a single officer will have constitutionally guaranteed oversight over the entire defence apparatus.
Many political observers argue that this effectively turns Asim Munir into a military president in all but name.
Impact on Civil-Military Relations
Pakistan’s military has always been deeply embedded in politics, but this amendment formalises that control.
- Civilian oversight: The amendment significantly reduces the role of civilian institutions in military affairs.
- Judicial authority: Reports suggest the government may also set up a new Federal Constitutional Court, limiting the influence of the existing Supreme Court.
- Constitutional implications: Legal experts warn that these reforms weaken Pakistan’s separation of powers and risk long-term democratic backsliding.
In short, Pakistan’s constitution — once a fragile balance between civil and military power — may now tilt permanently in favour of the armed forces.
A Look at Pakistan’s Constitutional History
Pakistan has rewritten or suspended its constitution multiple times since independence:
- 1956: The first constitution was adopted — and abolished just two years later in a military coup.
- 1962: A new constitution was introduced under Ayub Khan, but later suspended.
- 1973: The current constitution came into force under Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.
Since then, the document has been repeatedly amended, often under pressure from the military establishment. The 27th Amendment continues that tradition, marking another chapter in Pakistan’s turbulent constitutional journey.
The Role of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
Critics argue that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is a weak leader under heavy military influence.
His predecessor Imran Khan, by contrast, enjoyed broad public support — but his fallout with the army led to his removal.
Today, Asim Munir appears beside Shehbaz Sharif at nearly every state visit and diplomatic meeting, symbolising who truly holds authority in Islamabad.
International Reactions and Implications
The amendment has drawn mixed responses internationally:
- Regional watchers warn that the change could heighten tensions between India and Pakistan.
- Democracy advocates see it as a regression toward full-scale military rule.
- Some Western analysts note that it gives Asim Munir direct control over nuclear command systems — a sensitive point for Pakistan’s allies and neighbours alike.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment represents far more than a bureaucratic adjustment. It’s a calculated shift of power that places Field Marshal Asim Munir at the centre of Pakistan’s political, military, and constitutional framework.
While supporters argue this move strengthens national security and unity, critics warn it may push Pakistan closer to permanent military dominance — a cycle the country has struggled to escape for decades.
As Pakistan’s history shows, once the army consolidates power, it rarely gives it back.