Pakistan’s parliament has passed a far-reaching constitutional amendment granting lifetime immunity to the president and the country’s serving army chief — a decision drawing fierce criticism from opposition parties and legal experts who warn it could erode the nation’s democratic foundations.
The 27th Amendment, approved on Thursday by a two-thirds majority in both chambers, introduces sweeping structural changes to Pakistan’s power framework. It creates a Federal Constitutional Court, establishes a new Chief of Defence Forces position, and extends lifetime privileges to top military officers elevated to the highest ranks.
Under the new law, army chief General Asim Munir—recently promoted to field marshal following border clashes with India in May—will now command all branches of the armed forces: the army, air force, and navy. Officers promoted to the ranks of field marshal, marshal of the air force, or admiral of the fleet will retain their titles, uniforms, and privileges for life. Crucially, they will also enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution, a safeguard previously afforded only to sitting presidents.
Critics warn the move cements military dominance over Pakistan’s fragile civilian institutions.
“This constitutional amendment will increase authoritarianism, and whatever little semblance of democracy existed in this country will fade away,” said Osama Malik, an Islamabad-based lawyer. “It removes civilian oversight and destroys the balance within the military hierarchy.”
The legislation also shields President Asif Ali Zardari from criminal prosecution, though the protection lapses if he or any former president returns to public office. Zardari, who has faced several corruption cases in the past, stands to benefit directly from the new immunity provisions.
Opposition lawmakers, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), staged a dramatic protest during the vote, tearing up copies of the bill and chanting against what they described as a power grab.
“This is the final nail in the coffin of judicial independence,” said PTI Secretary General Salman Akram Raja, calling the amendment “deeply undemocratic at its core.”
The amendment further restricts judicial review, barring courts from challenging any constitutional change “on any ground whatsoever.” It also transfers all pending constitutional cases from the Supreme Court to the newly created Federal Constitutional Court—effectively curbing the apex court’s authority.
Another contentious clause empowers the president to transfer High Court judges on the advice of the Judicial Commission, a provision critics fear could be exploited to punish dissenting members of the judiciary.
The Senate first passed the bill on Monday. Following minor revisions, the National Assembly approved it two days later before sending it back for final endorsement.
“Sixty-four members are in favour of the passage of the bill and four members are against,” announced Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani as he declared the motion carried.
The bill now awaits President Zardari’s signature to become law — a step that, barring last-minute surprises, appears all but certain.
