Pakistan's political landscape has been fundamentally reshaped after its parliament passed a highly controversial constitutional amendment, granting the country's army chief sweeping new authority and lifelong legal protections.
A New Command Structure and Lifelong Immunity
The amendment, passed on Thursday 13 November 2025, elevates the current army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces. This pivotal change places the heads of the Pakistani navy and air force under his direct command, centralising military authority. Crucially, the law ensures that Field Marshal Munir will retain his rank for life.
In a move with significant political ramifications, the amendment also grants lifelong immunity from prosecution to President Asif Ali Zardari. This provision shields the president from any future legal accountability.
Opposition Decries 'Funeral of Democracy'
The legislative changes were met with fierce condemnation from opposition parties. Members of Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led the outcry, branding the amendment the 'funeral of democracy' and a 'death knell for an independent judiciary'. In a powerful act of protest, the opposition boycotted the final parliamentary vote.
Beyond the military and immunity clauses, the amendment establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court. A key point of contention is that its judges will be appointed directly by the prime minister, a move critics argue severely limits the independence of Pakistan's existing Supreme Court.
Ruling Coalition Defence and Lasting Consequences
The ruling coalition, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, defended the sweeping reforms. They argued that the changes are necessary to promote institutional harmony and streamline national security command.
However, political analysts and human rights advocates warn that the consolidation of power within the military and the executive branch, coupled with the erosion of judicial oversight, marks a dangerous turn for Pakistani democracy. The long-term consequences for the nation's political stability and constitutional balance of power remain deeply uncertain.
