Islamabad is preparing to propose the 27th constitutional amendment as Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s influence continues to grow both domestically and internationally. The move is aimed at granting greater powers to the military. The Shehbaz Sharif government has confirmed that the amendment will soon be presented in Parliament. The proposed changes focus on the command structure of the armed forces, effectively giving Asim Munir stronger control over Pakistan.
The army has historically played a central role in Pakistan’s governance, with significant influence over national security, economic policies, and civilian administration. Speaking in the Senate, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar affirmed that the government intends to introduce the amendment in full compliance with constitutional procedures and laws.
The 27th amendment is expected to potentially revise Article 243, which governs the appointment of the army chief and armed forces commanders, granting the army chief enhanced powers. Additional proposed changes reportedly include establishing constitutional courts, streamlining the appointment process for the Chief Election Commissioner, reviving executive judicial authorities, and revising judicial transfer protocols.
Further amendments may also reduce provincial shares in federal resources, transfer control of the education and population welfare ministries from provinces to the federal government, and end regional allocations under the National Finance Commission. These measures are seen as a move to consolidate military influence over Pakistan’s political and administrative framework.