Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Sparks Outrage Over Army Chief Asim Munir’s Extended Tenure and New Powers

Islamabad, November 4, 2025 — Pakistan’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has ignited a fierce political storm, as critics claim it strengthens military dominance at the cost of democratic institutions. The ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has reportedly sought support from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) to push through the amendment, which directly benefits Army Chief General Asim Munir.

The amendment seeks to modify Article 243 of the Constitution, allowing an extended tenure for General Munir and granting formal constitutional recognition to his newly conferred rank of Field Marshal. Munir received this title earlier in 2025 following Pakistan’s claimed success in countering India’s anti-terror “Operation Sindoor.” He is only the second Pakistani officer to hold the title after General Ayub Khan, who assumed it after his 1958 coup.

While earlier discussions hinted that Munir might replace President Asif Ali Zardari, those talks have reportedly died down. However, the proposed amendment is now being viewed as a step backward for democracy — potentially eroding provincial autonomy and judicial independence in a country long marked by military influence.

A key clause in the proposal aims to give the rank of Field Marshal constitutional legitimacy, defining and safeguarding its powers and tenure. Pakistan’s Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, confirmed that deliberations were underway. “The purpose of amending Article 243 is to constitutionally recognise the Field Marshal title,” he said, adding that formal drafting has yet to begin.

Observers also point to Munir’s rising international profile, highlighted when U.S. President Donald Trump recently referred to him as “my favourite Field Marshal” during bilateral talks — a remark underscoring his growing global influence.

Beyond military reforms, the amendment also introduces sweeping judicial and governance changes. It proposes setting up a Constitutional Court to interpret laws and fundamental rights, a move the government says would reduce the Supreme Court’s workload. Critics, however, warn that it risks creating a parallel judicial system prone to executive and military interference. Legal expert Hassan Abdullah Niazi cautioned that such provisions could “curtail judicial independence and allow executive officers to function as judges.”

The draft also includes clauses allowing the executive to transfer judges, further alarming those who see this as an attack on judicial autonomy. Moreover, the amendment could roll back key achievements of the 18th Amendment of 2010, which decentralised power by giving provinces control over areas like education and health. Reports suggest the federal government now seeks to reclaim these powers, centralising authority once again.

While the Sharif administration insists that the amendment will only proceed with national consensus and “will not endanger democracy,” constitutional scholars remain unconvinced. Barrister Ali Tahir warned that “whatever remains of the constitutional framework is now being prepared for a complete demolition.”

If enacted, Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment could redefine the country’s balance of power, marking the most dramatic civil-military shift since Ayub Khan’s coup more than sixty years ago.