Pakistan Moves 27th Constitutional Amendment to Create Chief of Defence Forces
Pakistan Moves 27th Constitutional Amendment to Create Chief of Defence Forces
Pakistan pushes a sweeping 27th Constitutional Amendment to redefine military command, curb Supreme Court powers, and set up a Federal Constitutional Court, with protests anticipated.
Pakistan’s Parliament is set to vote on the 27th Constitutional Amendment, a sweeping reform that would abolish the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee role and create a new title: Chief of Defence Forces. The package also envisions a Federal Constitutional Court and changes to how High Court judges are appointed, along with a series of shifts aimed at recalibrating the balance between the armed forces and civilian institutions. It would also redraw the powers of the Supreme Court, transferring some authority to the proposed Constitutional Court and granting the president immunity from criminal proceedings for life.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar tabled the amendment in the Senate, with a committee tasked to prepare a report and seek wider consensus before voting. If approved by two-thirds in both houses, it would go to the president for assent, marking a major constitutional overhaul.
Opposition alliances including TTAP, with groups such as MWM, have pledged nationwide protests, arguing the move undercuts democratic checks. Supporters say the reform is needed to streamline command, reduce duplication, and modernize governance of defence and security.
Analysts note the changes could consolidate military leadership under a single office, potentially affecting civil oversight and judicial independence. The timing comes as Islamabad has long debated reforming civilian control of the military, a sensitive issue in national politics.
If the amendments clear Parliament, the next milestones would be the two-thirds votes again in the National Assembly and the presidential signature, before any implementation. With protests expected to intensify around the voting dates, the debate is likely to shape Pakistan’s political landscape in the weeks ahead.
Cover image source: Opposition vows nationwide protests as Pakistan moves to pass 27th Constitutional Amendment 🔗
