Pakistan’s army chief is set to gain more authority, and the Supreme Court’s powers will be reduced under new constitutional amendments approved by one of the parliamentary houses on Monday. Opposition leaders argue this will weaken democracy.
The Senate passed the bill in about three hours on Monday, unusually fast for a constitutional amendment. The opposition boycotted the debate, and the bill will now proceed to the lower house before becoming law.
Under the proposed amendment, Army Chief Asim Munir, whom US President Donald Trump has called his “favourite Field Marshal,” would assume full military command, covering air and naval forces as the Chief of Defence Forces. He would retain his rank and gain lifelong legal immunity after his term ends.
Although the military already holds significant power, these reforms would provide stronger constitutional support, making it harder to reverse. Previously, the army chief was on par with the air force and navy chiefs, with a joint chiefs chairman above them, a position that will be removed.
The Supreme Court will no longer handle constitutional cases; instead, a new Federal Constitutional Court with government-appointed judges will take over. The Supreme Court has blocked government actions and removed prime ministers in recent years.
Critics argue that politically sensitive cases will now be decided by selected judges, with the Supreme Court focusing on civil and criminal cases.
Additionally, President Asif Zardari will receive lifelong immunity from prosecution under the reform.
“These amendments aim to improve governance, enhance coordination between the federal government and provinces, and strengthen defense capabilities after the recent conflict with India,” said Information Minister Attaullah Tarar.
The government asserts it has enough parliamentary support to pass these changes, unexpectedly introduced over the weekend to the Senate. A two-thirds majority is required in the Senate and National Assembly, the two houses of parliament.
The main opposition party, founded by imprisoned former prime minister Imran Khan, claimed it was not consulted. After a vocal protest, opposition parties exited when the amendment was introduced for debate in the Senate on Monday.
“There can be no acceptance of this constitutional amendment without consensus,” said Ali Zafar, a senator from Khan’s party, on Saturday. “A constitution cannot be imposed by force.”
Munir was elevated from General to Field Marshal after the May conflict with India. Law Minister Azam Tarar stated on Saturday that the rank would be constitutionally protected “because he is a national hero.”
The military did not immediately comment. Security officials noted that the evolving nature of modern warfare, where ground troops are not always dominant, necessitates unified military command.
The government argues that court reforms are essential because constitutional cases overly occupy the Supreme Court’s time, leading to a backlog.
