Pakistan’s Parliament Hands Army Chief Sweeping New Powers And Legal Immunity: Is Democracy On The Brink?”

In a move that has sparked intense debate across Pakistan’s political spectrum, the National Assembly on Wednesday (November 12, 2025) approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, granting unprecedented powers to the military and formally elevating Army Chief General Asim Munir to the newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

The amendment also restructures the country’s judiciary, marking what analysts are calling a seismic shift in Pakistan’s balance of power.

Did the new legislation get support in the Pakistan parliament?

The vote, which took place amid noisy protests and chants in the lower house, passed with 234 votes in favour and only four against, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq announced.

Among those present were Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former premier Nawaz Sharif, and Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, signaling strong political unity within the ruling coalition.

How did the government in Pakistan react to the new legislation?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed the passage as a “moment of national solidarity,” claiming it would “bring stability to the country’s defence and judicial institutions.”

He also used the occasion to condemn a recent terrorist attack in Wana, comparing it to the 2014 Army Public School massacre, and lauded security forces for their vigilance.

Were the opposition parties happy about the new powers given to Munir?

However, opposition lawmakers described the bill as a constitutional coup designed to entrench military dominance under the guise of reform.

PTI chairman Gohar Ali Khan derisively dubbed it the “Baku Amendments,” accusing the government of “selling off democracy to the barracks.”

Veteran lawmaker Mehmood Khan Achakzai went so far as to tear a copy of the bill on the assembly floor in protest.

What was the new legislation all about?

The 27th Amendment grants General Munir sweeping control over Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force, effectively placing all branches under his command.

His honorary five-star title of Field Marshal has now been enshrined constitutionally, giving him lifetime authority akin to heads of state in military-dominated regimes.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the move, insisting it “brings constitutional clarity to defence appointments while preserving military honour and tradition.”

How did the legislation overhaul the judiciary?

In parallel, the amendment introduces a major overhaul of the judiciary. It establishes a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) tasked with hearing constitutional and provincial matters, while relegating civil and criminal cases to the Supreme Court.

The FCC will have equal representation from all provinces and will hold the power to take suo motu action on constitutional questions. Additionally, a Judicial Commission will manage judge transfers, with any refusal of transfer automatically treated as retirement.

How did these legal changes get critiqued?

Critics argue that this provision could be used to pressure judges and curtail judicial independence. Yet the government maintains it will streamline court functioning and end jurisdictional confusion between the Supreme Court and provincial high courts.

The amendment, already approved by the Senate earlier with 64 votes in favour, will now undergo a final procedural vote before becoming law.

How does this law cement Munir’s powers?

Political analysts say the new legislation cements General Munir’s authority at a time when Pakistan faces political uncertainty, economic strain, and growing militant threats.

For many observers, the 27th Amendment is more than a routine constitutional update. It represents the formal institutionalisation of Pakistan’s long-standing military dominance, reshaping the contours of its fragile democracy.