Islamabad: The Pakistani federal cabinet has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate, marking a major restructuring of the country’s governance and military command. Presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, the bill amends Article 243 to consolidate military command under a newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), effectively elevating Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir by abolishing the office of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. The amendment grants the top military leadership constitutionally protected powers and privileges.

Beyond military reforms, the amendment proposes establishing a Federal Constitutional Court separate from the Supreme Court, introducing changes to judicial appointments, provincial cabinet structures, and federal revenue sharing among provinces. Legal experts warn that these changes could undermine judicial independence and reduce provincial autonomy by reversing reforms of the 18th Amendment.

Opposition parties like Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) criticise the bill, asserting it threatens judicial independence and federal balance, while the government claims it will strengthen Parliament and improve governance.

After tabling, the bill was referred to the joint National Assembly and Senate Standing Committees on Law and Justice. Members of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl boycotted committee sessions over controversial provisions carried over from an earlier discarded 26th Amendment Bill. The committees have adjourned for further discussion.

If enacted, the 27th Amendment would represent one of the most comprehensive changes to Pakistan’s military command and governance structure since the 1980s, significantly reshaping civilian-military relations and provincial-federal dynamics constitutionally.

With inputs from ANI