Pakistan has undergone a dramatic constitutional transformation that fundamentally reshapes the country's power structure. President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Amendment to the 1973 Constitution into law on November 13, 2025, following rapid approval by the Senate and National Assembly.
What the 27th Amendment Changes
The constitutional amendment introduces sweeping reforms that affect multiple aspects of Pakistan's governance. The most significant change establishes the office of Chief of Defence Forces, which will permanently be held by the Army Chief. This position grants the military leader command over both the Pakistan Navy and Air Force under Article 243.
Another crucial provision grants complete legal immunity to five-star rank officers even after they leave office. This protection exceeds what is available to either the President or Prime Minister under Article 248. The amendment also creates a Federal Constitutional Court that supersedes the Supreme Court of Pakistan's authority to hear constitutional matters.
Army's Consolidation of Power
The Pakistan Army's influence in political and economic affairs is historically well-documented, but recent developments have accelerated this trend. Since General Asim Munir's elevation to Chief of Army Staff in 2022, the military's involvement in national institutions has significantly increased.
Public dissatisfaction with the military reached unprecedented levels during and after the removal of former Prime Minister Imran Khan. The military-backed government led by Shahbaz Sharif imprisoned the former PM, conducted controversial general elections in February 2024, and refused Imran's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party the right to nominate members to reserved Parliamentary seats.
Two key catalysts enabled the military's power grab. Internally, Pakistan faced a sharp rise in militant attacks with over 2,300 incidents since early 2021. The resurgence of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan and the March 2025 Jafar Express hijacking by Balochistan Liberation Army provided justification for strengthening military authority.
Externally, a bilateral crisis with India in April/May 2025 allowed the military to rally popular support. During this period, Asim Munir was elevated to Field Marshal, a rank held for life, further consolidating Army control.
The Hybrid Governance Model Matures
The 27th Amendment represents the culmination of Pakistan's hybrid model of governance, where the military maintains actual control while civilian administrations handle formal accountability. This system has evolved significantly since former Army Chief Qamar Bajwa's 2022 statement that armed forces had distanced themselves from politics.
Under Munir's leadership, the Army has assumed even greater economic roles, including positions within the government's Special Investment Facilitation Council. The constitutional amendment institutionalizes lessons learned from previous periods of direct military rule, particularly the importance of legal immunity for military leaders.
The judiciary has been systematically neutralized as a potential check on military power. The Supreme Court enabled military preferences through judgments such as the May 2025 decision allowing civilians to be tried in military courts. Judges with democratic credentials like Mansoor Ali Shah resigned in protest, describing the amendment as effectively abolishing the Supreme Court.
Military Takes Control of Foreign Policy
The constitutional changes secure the Pakistan Army's dominant position in international relations. The military now leverages its unique position as a defense partner to China and Turkey to channel equipment and knowledge to third countries like Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.
Pakistan's historic security assistance to Arab states has become a crucial economic tool in the absence of other economic strengths. The country has shown willingness to participate in international military operations, including President Donald Trump's proposed International Stabilization Force in Gaza.
Army Chief Asim Munir has increasingly engaged in diplomatic meetings without civilian leadership presence. Notable examples include a closed-door meeting with President Trump at the White House in June, discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in July, and talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in October.
The 27th Amendment represents a fundamental shift in Pakistan's constitutional framework, cementing military control over all aspects of governance while maintaining the facade of civilian leadership. This development has significant implications for regional stability and democratic norms in South Asia.
