Pakistan Senate Tables 27th Amendment Bill Granting Sweeping Powers To Asim Munir | Exclusive

Last Updated:November 08, 2025, 17:21 IST

CNN-News18 accesses the bill proposing to make Asim Munir Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces with full military command and lifelong privileges

The bill also introduces a clause to formally award the title of Field Marshal to General Asim Munir. (AFP)

In what amounts to a constitutional coup, CNN-News18 has accessed the draft of Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, which effectively turns the Army Chief into the country’s Chief of Defence Forces, granting him unified command over the Army, Navy and Air Force, and dismantling the last layers of civilian oversight.

According to the draft, the changes are being pushed through under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, giving General Asim Munir unprecedented powers that could transform Pakistan from a fragile democracy into a Field Marshal State.

Bill Tabled In Senate After Cabinet Approval

Soon after receiving approval from the federal cabinet, the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was tabled in the Senate on Saturday and referred to the standing committees on law and justice for review.

The bill, introduced by Pakistani Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, proposes sweeping constitutional changes — from the formation of a Federal Constitutional Court and the process for appointing high court judges to altering the threshold for provincial cabinets and restructuring military leadership.

Explaining the proposed changes to Article 243, which currently states that the federal government “shall have control and command of the armed forces," the minister said new clauses were being added to redefine command structures and appointments.

Army Chief To Become Chief Of Defence Forces

Under the amendment, the Army Chief would concurrently serve as Chief of Defence Forces, assuming direct command over all three military wings.

The bill seeks to abolish the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) — the only institutional counterbalance to the Army Chief — with the position to cease from November 27, 2025, once the current tenure ends.

Law Minister Tarar clarified that no new appointment would follow. “The present CJCSC is our hero; it will be abolished after his appointment ends. Parliament cannot think of depriving him of the role during his tenure," he said.

He added that the Prime Minister, acting on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces, would appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command, effectively giving the military control of Pakistan’s nuclear command structure.

Field Marshal Title With Lifetime Privileges

The bill also introduces a clause to formally award the title of Field Marshal to General Asim Munir. Tarar explained that this was a title, not a rank or appointment, conferred “on national heroes" and meant to be held for life.

He added that the impeachment or reversal of such a title would lie with Parliament, not the Prime Minister. The bill specifies that any officer promoted to Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet “shall retain the rank, privileges, and remain in uniform for life," and that the federal government may assign them duties “in the interest of the state" after their active service.

Lifelong Immunity And Constitutional Protection

The draft extends the immunity provisions of Articles 47 and 248 — currently applicable to the President — to the newly created ceremonial ranks. This would ensure lifelong legal protection, effectively insulating military elites from removal, judicial scrutiny, or political accountability even after retirement.

Civilian Supremacy Reversed

While the amendment maintains that appointments are made “on the advice of the Prime Minister," the real authority shifts to the Chief of Defence Forces, as all key recommendations must originate from his office.

This reversal of authority dismantles the fundamental principle of civilian control over the military, replacing it with institutionalised military dominance.

With the abolition of parliamentary oversight, the legislature will no longer be able to question or override military decisions, turning Pakistan’s Constitution into what analysts describe as a legitimising tool for army rule.

From Republic To Military Autocracy

The creation of a Field Marshal-for-life with constitutional immunity ensures that Pakistan’s generals remain beyond political and judicial scrutiny.

With the army already controlling significant sectors of the economy through military-run enterprises, and now poised to secure constitutional authority over defence and nuclear command, Pakistan appears to be transitioning from a constitutional republic to a military autocracy.

Key Clauses In The Draft 27th Constitutional Amendment

CNN-News18 has accessed the initial draft version of Article 243, which includes the following major changes:

1. Army Chief to concurrently serve as Chief of Defence Forces – unified command over all three services.
2. CJCSC post abolished from November 2025 – removes institutional counterbalance.
3. National Strategic Command under Army recommendation – limits civilian role in nuclear decisions.
4. Field Marshal title created – lifetime privileges and duties as defined by law.
5. Articles 47 & 248 protections extended – grants legal and political immunity.
6. Prime Minister’s advice reduced to formality – key appointments to follow military recommendations.

With political parties weakened, the economy militarised, and defence authority constitutionalised under army control, the amendment could legally consolidate Asim Munir’s power, reshaping Pakistan’s political system into one where the military commands not just the state, but the Constitution itself.

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

News world Pakistan Senate Tables 27th Amendment Bill Granting Sweeping Powers To Asim Munir | Exclusive

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