By The Indus Zone Media Desk | Published: November 11, 2025 | Pakistan’s 27th Amendment
Pakistan is once again at a historic turning point. The country’s federal government has passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate on November 10, 2025, a move that could reshape the very structure of Pakistan’s political and military system. The bill now awaits approval from the National Assembly before it becomes law — one that could make General Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), the most powerful figure in Pakistan’s history.
A Shift Toward Military Dominance
This amendment is not just a small procedural update — it signals a major transformation in Pakistan’s governance model, moving the country from a hybrid civil-military setup to a constitutionally sanctioned military-led state.
The bill introduces significant changes to Article 243 of the Pakistani Constitution, redefining how the military interacts with civilian leadership. Among the most striking changes are:
Abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) from November 27.
Creation of a new post — Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — a position that will be automatically held by the serving COAS.
Formation of a Commander of National Strategic Command, to be appointed by the Prime Minister on the CDF’s recommendation.
Lifetime constitutional protection and legal immunity for five-star officers, including the new rank of Field Marshal.
These provisions effectively make General Asim Munir the Chief of all Armed Forces and the ultimate decision-maker in nuclear command and national defence matters.
From Army Power to Constitutional Control
Until now, Pakistan’s military influence was unofficial but undeniable. This amendment changes that. It grants the army’s power legal legitimacy, giving General Munir permanent constitutional status and protection from removal or legal prosecution under Articles 47 and 248.
The amendment also formalises Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal, a position that previously had no constitutional recognition. With lifelong immunity, this move ensures that Pakistan’s governance is structurally tied to military leadership — effectively blurring the line between the government and the army.
Echoes of Past Military Dictatorships
This development recalls earlier eras of Pakistan’s history dominated by powerful military rulers:
Field Marshal Ayub Khan (1958–1969): The first to seize control through a coup and rewrite the constitution to strengthen his rule.
General Zia-ul-Haq (1977–1988): Used legal amendments to legitimise military dictatorship under the guise of “Islamic democracy.”
General Pervez Musharraf (1999–2008): Combined the roles of President and Army Chief — a precedent now permanently enshrined in the 27th Amendment.
By merging the roles of COAS and CDF, Asim Munir’s position becomes stronger than any of his predecessors. Unlike Musharraf, whose “dual-hat” arrangement was temporary and controversial, Munir’s authority will now be constitutionally protected and permanent.
Global Silence, Local Impact
Interestingly, Western capitals have remained silent on the new amendment. The United States, which has historically maintained close ties with Pakistan’s military, seems comfortable with the change. From Ayub Khan to Zia-ul-Haq to Musharraf, Washington has always preferred dealing with the army rather than civilian leaders — a trend that continues today.
The real challenge for Asim Munir, however, may not come from abroad but from within the army itself. Historically, Pakistani generals who consolidated too much personal power — like Ayub and Musharraf — eventually lost support from their own commanders. Whether Munir can maintain institutional unity remains to be seen.
India’s Response: Wait and Watch
For India, these developments are unlikely to prompt any immediate policy shift. New Delhi has long viewed Pakistan through a security-first lens, seeing the military and its allied militant networks as part of one complex system. India will likely continue its “wait and watch” approach, observing how Pakistan’s power dynamics evolve under this new constitutional order.
Conclusion: The Rise of a Military State
With the passage of the 27th Amendment, Pakistan is on the brink of a new era — one where General Asim Munir’s authority transcends political boundaries. This transformation cements the army’s dominance not just in practice, but now in the very text of Pakistan’s Constitution.
The move could redefine Pakistan’s democracy, turning it into a system where the gun finally rules the constitution.
