From Army Chief To Constitutional Authority: What Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Means For Asim Munir | Exclusive

Last Updated:November 05, 2025, 15:14 IST

These changes, sources said, are intended to “stabilise Pakistan’s long-term governance framework” by formally recognising the military’s role in national policy

Observers note that the proposed 27th Amendment could be critical for General Asim Munir’s own continuity as both Chief of Army Staff and Field Marshal. (AFP)

Pakistan’s government has confirmed that it will table the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in Parliament this week, a move that could fundamentally reshape the country’s power structure by granting constitutional status and sweeping authority to the office of the Field Marshal—a position currently held by Army Chief General Asim Munir.

Sources told CNN-News18 that the Bill is set to be presented before the Senate on November 7, and is expected to be passed “within a couple of weeks". The amendment—described by insiders as the most significant constitutional change since the 18th Amendment—is designed to institutionalise a civil–military hybrid system, giving Pakistan’s military establishment a formal share in governance.

What The 27th Amendment Proposes

The draft amendment seeks to modify Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution, which currently vests the “supreme command of the armed forces" in the President.

If passed, it would:

• Establish the constitutional office of “Field Marshal of Pakistan" with a five-year tenure, similar in stature to the prime minister and President.

• Empower the Field Marshal or Commander-in-Chief (C-in-C) to appoint the heads of the Army, Air Force, Navy, and the Director-General of the ISI.

• Provide constitutional protection to the Field Marshal’s office, making its holder’s tenure immune from judicial or political challenge.

• Fix the terms of service chiefs at five years and legally insulate their appointments.

• Introduce amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1952, redefining command structures and potentially abolishing the office of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, while creating a Vice Chief of Army Staff post under the Field Marshal.

These changes, sources told News18, are intended to “stabilise Pakistan’s long-term governance framework" by formally recognising the military’s role in national policy—a system already operating in practice since 2022.

‘Security State’ In The Making

Security and constitutional experts said the military establishment aims to recalibrate Pakistan’s power-sharing model into what they describe as a “Security State framework" for the next 10-15 years—prioritising security, strategic investments, and resource control over traditional democratic processes.

Sources in the General Headquarters (GHQ) confirmed that the military has been seeking a long-term power arrangement to manage major resource-extraction projects and infrastructure investments, particularly in partnership with US and Chinese firms. Recently, Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation (NLC), which operates under military management, signed multi-billion-dollar agreements with US Strategic Metals (USSM) for direct mineral extraction.

The Stakes For Asim Munir

Observers note that the proposed 27th Amendment could be critical for General Asim Munir’s own continuity as both Chief of Army Staff and Field Marshal, insulating his office from political volatility. Munir, who has been seen as a key power broker in Pakistan’s current “civil-military unity" government led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would gain constitutional legitimacy to oversee strategic, defence, and developmental portfolios simultaneously.

However, critics argue that such a move could further blur the line between civilian authority and military command, effectively constitutionalising Pakistan’s hybrid regime. Opposition figures have already warned that the amendment, if enacted, would “lock democracy into permanent subordination to the barracks".

What Comes Next?

The Bill will first be introduced in the Senate on November 7, before being tabled in the National Assembly for final passage. According to government insiders, the ruling coalition has already secured enough support to ensure its approval.

If enacted, the amendment would mark the first time in Pakistan’s history that the post of Field Marshal, once ceremonial, becomes a permanent constitutional office, potentially reshaping how power is distributed in the world’s fifth-largest military democracy.

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

News world From Army Chief To Constitutional Authority: What Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Means For Asim Munir | Exclusive

Read More