Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Pakistan’s National Assembly Passes 27th Constitutional Amendment Reshaping Courts and Military Command

The bill now goes to President Asif Ali Zardari for assent as opposition parties signal court challenges following a raucous vote.

Overview

  • Lawmakers approved the 59-clause package 234–4 after clause-by-clause voting, with most opposition members boycotting and some tearing up copies of the bill.
  • The amendment establishes a Federal Constitutional Court to take primary constitutional jurisdiction and curbs the Supreme Court’s use of suo motu powers.
  • Military command is recast by designating the Army Chief as Chief of Defence Forces and abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from 27 November 2025.
  • The legislation preserves lifetime five‑star ranks and privileges for officers elevated as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force or Admiral of the Fleet.
  • A new clause grants the president broad protection from criminal proceedings for life, and the measure awaits presidential assent after earlier clearing the Senate 64–0.