Pakistan Army chief gets lifelong immunity as controversial amendment passed
What's the story
Pakistan's parliament has passed a constitutional amendment that expands the powers of the army chief and limits the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The lower house approved the legislation with over a two-thirds majority, with only four lawmakers opposing it. The upper house had passed the bill two days earlier after an opposition boycott. The amendment will become law once signed by President Asif Ali Zardari.
Amendment details
The amendment creates the post of Chief of Defence Forces
Army chief Asim Munir will now be elevated to the new post of Chief of Defense Forces. This position gives Munir command over the navy and air force in addition to the army. After his term, he will retain his rank and enjoy lifetime legal immunity. The amendment also establishes a Federal Constitutional Court to hear constitutional cases, replacing the Supreme Court's jurisdiction.
Political reactions
PTI protest against passing of bill
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the amendment as a step toward institutional harmony and national unity. He said it recognized the air force and navy too, asking, "What's wrong with that?" However, opposition lawmakers from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protested by walking out before the vote and tearing up copies of the bill. PTI spokesman Zulfikar Bukhari criticized parliamentarians for voting in favor of what he called a move toward a "banana republic."
Judicial concerns
Legal experts warn of threat to judicial independence
Legal experts have warned that the reform could undermine judicial independence. Constitutional lawyer Asad Rahim Khan called it a "breach in our judicial system," while Mirza Moiz Baig said it could be the "death knell of an independent judiciary." Baig also noted that this amendment gives unprecedented constitutional backing to military influence in politics, something previous dictators only dreamed of.