Pakistan’s 27th Amendment: Defence Overhaul That Could Cement Army Dominance

Pakistan’s 27th Amendment reshapes military–civil relations

Islamabad — Pakistan has enacted its most sweeping revision of military and judicial arrangements in decades after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment into law. The bill, which cleared both houses of parliament amid opposition protests and criticism from civil society and some sitting judges, overhauls the higher judiciary and makes major changes to Article 243 — the clause that governs relations between the civilian government and the armed forces.

Key institutional changes

While the amendment includes several judicial reforms, analysts say its most consequential measures concern the armed forces. The revision creates a new constitutional post, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), to be held concurrently by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). It abolishes the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), establishes a Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) limited to army officers, and redefines five-star ranks as constitutionally recognized offices with expanded privileges.

Under the new rules, officers with five-star status will retain rank and privileges, remain in uniform for life, and have lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution. Removing a five-star officer will require a two-thirds parliamentary majority — a contrast critics note with the ease of dismissing elected governments by a simple majority.

Implications for Field Marshal Asim Munir

The current COAS, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who assumed command in November 2022 and was elevated to five-star rank on May 20, will be directly affected. Parliament had previously extended service chiefs’ tenures from three to five years; the amendment and related changes to the Army Act effectively restart Munir’s tenure clock from the date he is notified as CDF, potentially extending his hold on both posts through at least November 2030 under current provisions.

Supporters’ case: modernisation and unified command

Supporters — including government officials and some retired officers — argue the changes modernize Pakistan’s defence architecture. State minister for law and justice Aqeel Malik said the amendment plugs gaps in national security design and gives constitutional backing to defence integration for faster, more cohesive responses. Former vice admiral Ahmed Saeed described the reform as forward-looking, saying Pakistan’s older command model was ill-suited to multi-domain and hybrid warfare.

“The amendment granted constitutional cover to defence integration and improved coordination,” said Aqeel Malik. “It addresses a long-overdue need for cohesive and swift responses.”

Critics’ concerns: consolidation, imbalance and rule of law

Critics — including constitutional experts, retired senior officers, and analysts — warn the changes risk consolidating army dominance, eroding inter-service autonomy, and undermining the rule of law. Constitutional lawyer Reema Omer told Al Jazeera that while five-star designations are described as honorary, the amendment gives them substantive power and that lifelong immunity raises serious rule-of-law concerns.

A retired three-star general warned the abolition of the CJCSC removes an important balancing mechanism between services and could lead to resentment if the Pakistan Air Force and Navy lose autonomy over strategic planning or senior promotions. Security analyst Majid Nizami argued that true integration would be better served by a dedicated, independent officer for joint command, rather than dual-hatting the army chief.

Nuclear command and operational clarity

The amendment also formalizes army oversight of portions of Pakistan’s nuclear enterprise by creating the CNSC and placing strategic responsibilities within the army’s purview. Under the current framework, the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) manages ballistic and cruise missile programmes and nuclear assets; although the CJCSC nominally oversaw the SPD, operational authority has long rested with the army — a reality the amendment now codifies, critics say.

Supporters counter that civilian-led oversight remains intact and that the changes simply provide constitutional clarity. However, several former officers told Al Jazeera that operational details, terms of reference for the CDF and CNSC, and mechanisms to protect inter-service balance remain unclear.

Political context and timing

Observers note the changes come after a brief clash with India in May and amid a fraught domestic political environment: the PTI was barred as a party from the February 2024 election though independent candidates aligned with it won the most seats, and jailed former prime minister Imran Khan has accused the military of a crackdown — allegations the military denies. Some analysts say the ruling coalition viewed the amendment as politically expedient, consolidating an ally in the military leadership.

Outlook and risks

The amendment is likely to reshape Pakistan’s civil–military balance for years to come. Its proponents argue it increases operational coherence and modernizes command for contemporary threats; its critics warn of institutional imbalance, diminished civilian oversight, and long-term risks to democratic governance and inter-service cohesion. With important operational details still unresolved, the country faces a critical period in which practice, not only law, will determine the amendment’s ultimate impact.

Note: Al Jazeera sought comment from the military’s media office on the amendment and received no response.