Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment May Expand Army Chief Asim Munir’s Powers, Stirring Civil-Military Tensions

Islamabad is reportedly preparing to introduce a 27th Constitutional Amendment that could significantly expand the powers of the Pakistan Army — a move seen by critics as strengthening the position of Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s influential Chief of Army Staff.

The proposal, confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in the Senate, has reignited debates about civil-military imbalance in Pakistan’s political system.

“Of course, the government is bringing it … The 27th Amendment will arrive soon, and it will be tabled in accordance with principles, laws, and the Constitution,” Dar said, addressing concerns from opposition lawmakers.

The confirmation came after PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari revealed that the government had approached him seeking support for the amendment.

⚖️ What the 27th Amendment Proposes

According to reports in Pakistani media, the proposed amendment includes changes to Article 243 of the Constitution, which governs the appointment and command of the armed forces.

Key provisions reportedly under consideration include:

• Creation of a new “Commander-in-Chief” position to restructure Pakistan’s military hierarchy.
• Changes to the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and formation of constitutional courts.
• Restoration of executive magistrates and changes in the transfer of judges.
• Reduction in provincial shares of federal resources and a move to shift control of education and population welfare ministries from provinces to the federal government.
• Removal of protections granted to provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC).

These sweeping changes could tilt power further toward Islamabad and the military establishment, potentially rolling back the devolution of power achieved under the 18th Amendment (2010).

⚔️ Criticism and Political Reaction

Former senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned that the proposal could “completely alter the country’s governance structure.”

“Are you handing over the country to someone else? What happened to civilian supremacy? This amendment would place civilian institutions under military control,” Khokhar said.

PPP Senator Raza Rabbani, who played a key role in passing the 18th Amendment, also voiced strong opposition, calling it a direct attack on provincial autonomy and civilian governance.

The Shehbaz Sharif-led government enjoys a comfortable majority in the National Assembly (233 out of 336 members), but will require opposition support in the Senate, where it holds 61 of 96 seats, to secure the two-thirds majority necessary for passage.

Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), led by Maulana Fazlur Rehman, is expected to back the government, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to block the amendment.

“We will oppose this amendment and foil the government’s effort to destroy the Constitution,” PTI leader Hamid Khan said.

🪖 Asim Munir’s Growing Influence

The proposed changes come amid Field Marshal Asim Munir’s growing clout domestically and internationally. Promoted earlier this year following India’s Operation Sindoor, Munir has since consolidated his authority over Pakistan’s political and security apparatus.

He has represented Pakistan in multiple global delegations, winning recognition from US President Donald Trump for his role in bilateral trade discussions.

Observers say the new constitutional amendment could institutionalize Munir’s influence, further blurring the lines between Pakistan’s military and civilian governance — a historical flashpoint in the nation’s politics.

Originally published on newsworldstime.com.