Pakistan's parliament has approved a constitutional amendment that substantially expands military authority while curtailing Supreme Court powers, according to strategic analyst Kamal Davar. The 27th Amendment effectively transfers command of all armed forces to Chief of Army Staff Asim Munir, who becomes Chief of Defence Forces with control over the nuclear arsenal. The amendment replaces the Chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff position and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court to handle constitutional matters, stripping the Supreme Court of jurisdiction over cases involving military leadership.
The constitutional changes grant legal immunity to current and former military officers for actions performed while on duty, preventing prosecution for corruption or human rights violations. This protection exceeds the privileges enjoyed by previous military rulers, who only had legal cover under martial law. Civil institutions have been absorbed into military structures, creating what analysts describe as a constitutional dictatorship.
The constitutional changes grant legal immunity to current and former military officers for actions performed while on duty, preventing prosecution for corruption or human rights violations. This protection exceeds the privileges enjoyed by previous military rulers, who only had legal cover under martial law. Civil institutions have been absorbed into military structures, creating what analysts describe as a constitutional dictatorship.
