What's Pakistan's 27th amendment that will make Munir power czar
What's the story
Pakistan's proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has received the green light from parliamentary law and justice committees. The amendment, which was introduced in parliament over the weekend, seeks to institutionalize army chief Asim Munir's position as the country's most powerful figure. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced that all major amendments, including those to Article 243 of the Constitution, have been approved.
Article revisions
Article 243 concerns civil-military relations
Article 243 concerns civil-military relations and the command-and-control structure of Pakistan's armed forces. The proposed changes equate service chiefs with the president in terms of immunity from prosecution, effectively transferring appointment powers to the army chief. The amendment also proposes that the army chief will serve as Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), overseeing all three military services.
Power
Bill significantly undermines civilian governance and supervision
Apart from the military, the bill significantly undermines civilian control and oversight. It also recommends the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which would significantly diminish the Supreme Court's jurisdiction by handling the interpretation of the Constitution. The newly appointed CDF will lead the Strategic Plans Division (SPD), which will guarantee his control over the nuclear arsenal, in addition to ensuring complete control over policy, finance, internal security, and strategic affairs.
Protest plans
Opposition slams amendment, calls for nationwide protests
The opposition has slammed the amendment, calling it a move that will shake "the foundations of the Constitution." The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) alliance, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party, has announced nationwide protests starting Sunday. Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas called for action, saying, "Democratic institutions have been paralyzed within Pakistan."
Legal debate
Legal experts divided on proposed amendments
Legal experts are divided on the proposed amendments. Some believe they would dethrone the Supreme Court as the highest judicial forum, while others argue they would modernize the Judiciary and improve efficiency. Former Additional Attorney General Tariq Mehmood Khokhar said these changes tighten Executive control over the superior Judiciary through expanded powers to transfer High Court Judges.
Court support
Supporters of the amendment argue it would create greater clarity
Supporters of the amendment argue that it would create greater clarity and efficiency in the justice system. They believe it could depoliticize the higher Judiciary and reduce backlogs. Newly elected Supreme Court Bar Association President Haroonur Rasheed also supported setting up a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). The amendment required a two-thirds majority for passage before moving to the National Assembly.