On Thursday, Pakistan’s parliament passed a significant constitutional amendment that grants lifetime immunity to both the president and the current army chief. Critics argue this move threatens democratic checks and judicial independence.
The 27th amendment, approved by a two-thirds majority, strengthens military authority by creating a new Chief of Defence Forces position and establishing a Federal Constitutional Court.
This amendment gives Army Chief Asim Munir, who was recently promoted to field marshal following Pakistan’s conflict with India in May, command over the army, air force, and navy.
Munir, like other top military officials, will receive lifelong protection.
Officers promoted to field marshal, marshal of the air force, or admiral of the fleet will now retain their rank and privileges for life, remain in uniform, and be immune from criminal charges—protections previously reserved for the head of state alone.
“This constitutional amendment will heighten authoritarianism and eliminate the remaining traces of democracy in this country,” said Osama Malik, a lawyer based in Islamabad.
“It will not only remove civilian oversight from military operations but also dismantle the military hierarchy where all service chiefs were considered equal under the joint chief system,” he told AFP.
The amendment also grants President Asif Ali Zardari immunity from criminal prosecution.
However, the bill specifies that this immunity does not apply if a former president later assumes another public office.
Zardari has faced several corruption charges, although previous proceedings were halted. The latest amendment protects him unless he takes another public position.
The amendment also prevents courts from questioning any constitutional changes “on any ground whatsoever.”
The bill now awaits the president’s signature to become law.
