ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s government on Saturday introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 in the Senate, the upper house of the country’s parliament, proposing major changes to the country’s judicial and defence structure.
The amendment, proposed by Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, introduces sweeping reforms, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, the creation of the office of Chief of Defence Forces, and the abolition of the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The bill was referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for further deliberation and review. Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani emphasised the importance of involving the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Law and Justice to ensure comprehensive discussions on the proposed amendments.
Key Proposals of Constitutional Amendment
Creation of Federal Constitutional Court: The amendment seeks to establish a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional matters with a focus on reducing the backlog in lower courts.
This court would consist of superior court judges from all provinces, addressing the need for a dedicated constitutional body. Regular courts, including the Supreme Court and High Courts, would continue to manage civil, criminal, and other non-constitutional cases.
Revised Defense Command Structure: A key feature of the amendment is the creation of the Chief of Defense Forces office, consolidating Pakistan’s defense command structure under a single head.
The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position will be abolished, with significant powers being shifted to the newly proposed office. The Chief of Army Staff will concurrently hold the title of Chief of Defense Forces, strengthening the coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Honouring Military Heroes: The amendment proposes constitutional recognition of prestigious military ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, which would be conferred on national heroes.
These honorary titles will be conferred by the Parliament, with the aim of ensuring that such honours reflect the collective will of the nation rather than individual political power.
Judicial and Electoral Reforms: Other notable changes include proposals for synchronized Senate elections, adjustments to the size of the cabinet, particularly for smaller provinces like Balochistan, and enhanced advisory powers for the President.
The amendment also seeks to clarify the appointment process for the Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff, giving the Prime Minister the authority to make these appointments on the advice of the Chief of the Army Staff.
Immunity for President and Governors: The amendment seeks to provide lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings for the President and Governors during their respective terms of office, as proposed in an amendment to Article 248.
Consultations and Further Deliberations: Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar highlighted that the government had consulted with its allied parties, including the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM), and Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), to ensure broad-based support for the amendments. The law minister stressed that the proposed amendments are intended to strengthen Pakistan’s democratic institutions, ensuring stability and continuity in governance.
Minister Tarar emphasized that the 27th Amendment is part of a broader effort to stabilise the constitutional framework, prevent future judicial misuse, and fortify Pakistan’s institutions for long-term success. He concluded by stating that “laws are made for the people of Pakistan,” and that these amendments are crucial to reinforcing the nation’s institutional framework, not catering to individual personalities.
The bill will now undergo detailed review in the Standing Committee on Law and Justice, where it will be debated further. The committee will also invite input from various stakeholders, including the opposition, before finalizing the bill for presentation to the full Senate.
