How Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir gets expanded powers

Dubai: Pakistan’s parliament has approved the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, introducing changes to the country’s military command, judiciary, and federal revenue system. The National Assembly passed the bill on Wednesday, following its approval in the Senate on Monday. The bill was finally signed into law on Wednesday by Pakistan President Asif Ali Zardari.

The amendment establishes the Army Chief as the head of all armed services, introduces the Federal Constitutional Court, and revises procedures for federal revenue distribution and judicial appointments. These are some major highlights of the 27th amendment to the constitution of Pakistan.

Military command shift

The amendment creates a new post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), to be held by the Army Chief, currently Field Marshal General Asim Munir.

Under this structure:

The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) position will be abolished.

The Army Chief, in the role of CDF, will command all three services: army, navy, and air force.

The occupant of the CDF post will retain rank, privileges, and uniform for life.

The CDF will have legal immunity from prosecution after completing the term.

This establishes the Army Chief as the constitutionally recognised head of Pakistan’s armed forces.

Reshaping the judiciary

The 27th amendment also restructures Pakistan’s judicial system:

A new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) will be established, with jurisdiction over matters previously handled by the Supreme Court.

Judges of the FCC will be appointed by the government.

The Supreme Court’s role in constitutional cases will be limited, with oversight moving to the FCC.

Other provisions

Article 243 of the Constitution is revised to reflect the new military command structure.

The amendment modifies procedures for judicial transfers and the appointment of top military chiefs by the president on the prime minister’s advice.

The Amendment proposes changes related to the NFC Award, which is the constitutional mechanism for dividing federal tax revenue between the federation and the province.