PARLIAMENT NEWS
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has released the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, introducing significant revisions to Pakistan’s defence hierarchy and judicial framework.
A major feature of the proposal is the introduction of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a new position that would replace the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Under the draft, the Army Chief would simultaneously serve as CDF, placing the role at the apex of the country’s armed forces.
The amendment further suggests dissolving the CJCSC and establishing a Commander of National Strategic Command to oversee nuclear and strategic institutions. Appointments of the heads of the army, navy, and air force would be made by the President on the Prime Minister’s advice, with the Army Chief holding both offices.
The draft also grants lifetime constitutional status to officers promoted to five-star ranks—Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. These officers would continue to hold their rank, privileges, and uniform permanently, and could only be removed through a parliamentary process similar to impeachment.
On the judicial side, the amendment calls for the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). This body would assume powers currently exercised by the Supreme Court under Article 184, including the ability to take suo motu notice. Each province would have equal representation on the FCC, and its Chief Justice would serve a three-year term.
Under the proposed system, the President and Prime Minister would have expanded influence in judicial appointments, while Parliament would decide the strength of the FCC. Decisions of the new court would be binding on all other courts, reshaping the distribution of judicial authority.
The draft has ignited political debate, with critics arguing that it concentrates too much power in military and executive institutions. Its release comes shortly after Gen Asim Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal—the country’s second five-star appointment—formalising a rare military rank. The current CJCSC, Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza, is set to retire on November 27, after which the office is slated for dissolution under the proposed amendment.
