KEY POINTS
- The Constitutional Amendment reorganises the military command structure.
- Creates a new Federal Constitutional Court and adjusts judicial powers.
- Opposition, some legal experts warn, changes could undermine judicial independence and democratic oversight.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate on Thursday passed the highly debated 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, completing one of the most significant institutional reforms in decades.
The Bill passed by the National Assembly on Wednesday was returned to the Senate for approval of the supplementary amendments.
Today’s passage formalises changes to the military’s command structure and the judiciary, drawing support from the government and sharp criticism from opposition parties and some legal experts.
The amendment elevates the role of the military chief by creating a new position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) to oversee all branches of the armed forces, replacing the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
It also granted legal immunity to the office of Field Marshal post-term. These changes are made by amending Article 243 of the Constitution.
Simultaneously, the amendment restructures the judiciary by establishing a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to hear constitutional matters, previously under the purview of the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench.
It also redefines the Chief Justice of Pakistan’s role. The process of appointment and transfer of judges of the Supreme Court and high courts is also revised.
The bill initially passed by the Senate went through the National Assembly the other day with eight revisions and returned to the Senate for a clause-by-clause vote. It was approved with 64 votes in favour and 4 against, meeting the required two‑thirds majority.
Opposition lawmakers staged walkouts and protests during the proceedings. Opposition members belonging to PTI and JUI‑F criticised the process as “a threat to democratic institutions.”
Some legal experts argued that the amendment weakens judicial independence and shifts the balance of power.
Government supporters, however, defended the reform as necessary to streamline military command, safeguard national security, and clarify constitutional roles.
The Law Minister described the passage as “historic” and fully compliant with constitutional procedure, according to Radio Pakistan.
The bill now awaits the President’s signature to become law. Once enacted, the FCC and other new structures will be operationalised, while legal challenges from a section of civil society and lawyers’ bodies remain.
