Pakistan’s parliament on Thursday approved a far-reaching constitutional amendment granting lifetime immunity to the country’s president and current army chief, meaning they cannot be tried or punished in court for acts committed while in office, even after leaving office.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment, passed with a two-thirds majority, establishes a Federal Constitutional Court and consolidates control of the armed forces under a new Chief of Defence Forces.
Army Chief Munir to Retain Command Powers for Life
Under the new law, Army Chief Asim Munir, who was promoted to Field Marshal following Pakistan’s border clash with India in May, will now oversee the army, air force, and navy.
The amendment also grants lifetime rank, privileges, and immunity from criminal prosecution to officers promoted to the highest military positions, Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet.
Until now, such protections were reserved only for the head of state.
Critics Warn of Rising Authoritarianism
Legal experts and opposition figures have condemned the development, describing it as a dangerous step toward authoritarian rule.
“This constitutional amendment will increase authoritarianism and whatever little semblance of democracy existed in this country will fade away,” said Islamabad-based lawyer Osama Malik.
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“It removes civilian oversight of the military and destroys the hierarchy that kept all service chiefs on equal footing,” he told AFP.
Opposition Protests, Describes Bill as ‘Deeply Undemocratic’
Members of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protested the bill in both chambers of parliament, tearing up copies of the legislation during the debate.
PTI spokesman Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari described the amendment as “the final nail in the coffin of an independent judiciary and a functioning democracy.”
Party Secretary General Salman Akram Raja called the move “deeply undemocratic at its core,” adding that it “concentrates power in one military office and shields the president from accountability.”
New Court Limits Supreme Court’s Powers
The amendment also creates a Federal Constitutional Court with exclusive authority over constitutional matters, effectively removing the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction and transferring all pending petitions.
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It further empowers the president to transfer High Court judges on the advice of the Judicial Commission, a clause opposition leaders say could be used to silence dissenting judges.
Bill Clears Both Houses
The Senate passed the bill on Thursday after earlier approval by the National Assembly, where it secured the required two-thirds majority.
“Sixty-four members are in favour of the passage of the bill and four members are against,” Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani announced after the final vote.
The amendment now awaits President Asif Ali Zardari’s signature to become law.
Zardari Among Beneficiaries
The measure also grants President Zardari lifetime immunity from prosecution. However, the protection would not apply if he or any former president assumes another public office in the future.
Zardari, a key ally of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has faced multiple corruption cases in the past, though proceedings were previously stayed by the courts.
SOURCE: AFP
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.