Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Pakistan Considers 27th Amendment to Formalize Army Control
Imagine Pakistan is like a big company.
For a long time, it's been like everyone knew the army was really in charge, even if the boss (the Prime Minister) was the one signing papers.
Now, the government wants to make a new rule, called the 27th Amendment, that would officially make the army chief, Asim Munir, the most powerful person.
This new rule would give him a special title, like 'Field Marshal,' and he would have the power to decide who becomes the head of the army, navy, and air force, and even the spy agency.
It would also protect him from being challenged in court or in politics.
This is meant to make things more stable, according to the government.
It's like changing the company's rulebook to say the army chief is the real boss, not just in secret anymore.
Pakistan's government is set to introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which could formalize the Army's control over the country.
The amendment aims to institutionalize the role of the Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, giving him formal authority over security and foreign policies.
Article 243, which governs the Federal Government's control of the Armed Forces, is proposed to be amended.
Sources indicate the amendment would establish the post of 'Field Marshal of Pakistan' with a five-year tenure, placing it on par with the Prime Minister and President.
Proposed changes include empowering the Field Marshal to appoint service chiefs and intelligence agency heads, and providing immunity from legal or political challenges.
- Who
- The government of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistan Army, led by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir
- What
- Proposing a 27th Constitutional Amendment that would formalize the Army's control over the country, giving the Field Marshal significant powers in security and foreign policy and potentially elevating the post to be on par with the Prime Minister and President.
- When
- The amendment is scheduled to be tabled in the Senate on Friday.
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- The stated reasons include changed defence requirements, stabilizing the governance framework, and formally recognizing the military's role in national policy, which sources suggest has been operating behind the scenes since 2022.
- Proposed Legislation
- 27th Constitutional Amendment
- Key Figure
- Army Chief General (now Field Marshal) Syed Asim Munir
- Government
- Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's administration
- Proposed Changes to Article 243
- Concentrating decision-making and appointment powers with the Field Marshal
- New Post Proposed
- Office of 'Field Marshal of Pakistan' with a five-year tenure
- Other Proposed Changes
- Formalizing the Field Marshal's post, potentially removing Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, creating Vice Chief of Army Staff
- Stated Rationale
- Changed defence requirements, stabilizing governance framework, formalizing military's role in national policy
Sources
Imran Khan calls Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir ‘most oppressive dictator’ in country’s history
Imran Khan Accuses Pak Army Chief Asim Munir Of "Tyranny", Calls Him "Mentally Unstable"
Asim Munir To Get Even More Powerful? Pakistan Plans To Amend Constitution
The Munir amendment: Pakistan set to become a constitutional security state
Imran Khan calls Asim Munir ‘mentally unstable dictator,’ accuses him of tyranny and cruelty
