Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army Chief Asim Munir during high-level talks on Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment in Islamabad (Photo: File)
Islamabad is preparing for one of the most consequential constitutional overhauls in recent years. The government, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has confirmed plans to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment is a move that could reshape the country's balance of power across civilian, judicial and military institutions.
While officials argue that the amendment will modernize governance, critics warn it might further entrench the military's influence and weaken provincial autonomy.
The amendment at its core proposes the establishment of a Constitutional Court that will replace the Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench. This new court is to deal exclusively with constitutional interpretation and disputes, and its chief justice would head the Supreme Judicial Council and the Judicial Commission.
Other salient features include the revival of executive magistrates, alteration in the system of judicial transfers and a revised method for the appointment of members of the Election Commission.
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The proposed amendment also provides a hint towards recentralizing power and it can bring back education and population welfare, which have gone to the provinces following the 18th Amendment, under the federal government. In addition, the NFC award that carves up the share of resources from the federation may also be changed reducing the financial share of the provinces.
A particularly contentious element of the amendment concerns Article 243, which specifies command over the armed forces. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said revisions are needed to reflect changing defence requirements.
There are reports that the changes might give legal status to the rank of Field Marshal and lay down procedures relating to military succession. Critics say this can strengthen Army Chief Asim Munir’s grip over Pakistan’s political and institutional dispensation, thereby blurring the line between civilian and military authority.
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The changes now proposed have raised alarms among the opposition, constitutional experts and civil society. Many view the amendment as a backdoor means to undo the 18th Amendment's gains on decentralization, judicial independence and provincial self-governance. Former lawmakers warn revisiting the NFC formula could disrupt the fine fiscal balance between the center and the provinces.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Ishaq Dar, however, said that the bill would only be pursued after broad national consensus. Meanwhile, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari and Asif Ali Zardari from the Pakistan People's Party have met Shehbaz Sharif to review the proposals.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on available reports and official statements. Details may evolve as Pakistan finalizes the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
