Pakistan's parliament has voted to grant the country's powerful army chief sweeping new authority and lifelong immunity from prosecution, in a move critics have labelled a severe blow to democracy.
Unprecedented Powers for Military Chief
The constitutional amendment, passed on Wednesday, elevates Field Marshal Asim Munir to the newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces. This places the navy and air force under his direct command, in addition to his existing control of the army.
The legislation was approved by a two-thirds majority in the lower house, with only four lawmakers voting against it. The upper house had already passed the amendment days earlier, following a boycott by the opposition.
Field Marshal Munir, already considered Pakistan's de facto ruler, will now retain his rank for life even after his term concludes and enjoys complete legal immunity from prosecution indefinitely.
Swift Passage and Fierce Opposition
The amendment's rapid approval, a process that typically takes months of debate, highlights the military's immense influence and the weakness of the ruling coalition. The government, an alliance of two formerly rival parties, pushed it through swiftly.
Lawmakers from the opposition party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), boycotted the vote. They walked out of parliament and tore up copies of the bill in protest.
"None of the parliamentarians cared about democracy and the judiciary being eliminated," said PTI spokesman Zulfikar Bukhari. "They have voted for being a silent observer whilst the country becomes a banana republic. Rest in peace constitution of Pakistan."
The amendment is expected to be formally approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, who also receives lifetime immunity from prosecution under the new law. He faces numerous corruption and money laundering allegations, which he denies.
Erosion of Judicial Independence
A significant part of the amendment establishes a new Federal Constitutional Court, whose judges will be appointed by the prime minister. This new body will take over all matters of constitutional interpretation from the Supreme Court, a move analysts say severely weakens judicial independence.
Constitutional lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig stated the change spells "the death knell for an independent judiciary" by allowing the executive to handpick judges.
Fellow lawyer Asad Rahim Khan warned, "We're facing completely uncharted territory: a breach in our judicial system the likes of which we haven't seen in almost a century."
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the amendment, calling it a step towards institutional harmony. "Nations honour their heroes...We know how to show and earn respect to our heroes," he said.
Law minister Azam Nazeer Tarar echoed this, describing the military chief as "the hero of the whole nation" who deserved constitutional protection.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, whose Pakistan People's Party is part of the ruling coalition, justified their support by citing that Pakistan was facing "a situation of war."
The expansion of General Munir's authority comes as Pakistan's military confronts multiple internal insurgencies and heightened border tensions with both Afghanistan and India.
