Islamabad: Pakistan’s powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has emerged as the country’s most dominant figure after parliament approved sweeping constitutional and military changes under the controversial 27th Amendment.
The amendment, passed by the National Assembly on Wednesday following heated scenes, centralises unprecedented authority in the office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)– a newly created post that will be held by the serving Chief of Army Staff. The Senate had already cleared the bill on Monday amid an opposition boycott.
The new law amends Article 243 of the Constitution, effectively merging command over the Army, Navy, and Air Force under one position. The CDF will now serve as the single operational head of Pakistan’s armed forces, ending the independent status of the Navy and Air Force chiefs. The rank and privileges of Field Marshal will be permanent, granting lifetime immunity and status to those who hold the title.
The amendment also abolishes the post of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC)- a key role that previously coordinated between the three services. The current chairman, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, is due to retire later this month, after which his position will cease to exist.
Another major provision in the amendment is the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which will outrank the Supreme Court in constitutional, military, and national security–related matters. This court will have exclusive jurisdiction over cases linked to the armed forces, effectively curbing the Supreme Court’s ability to review or overturn military decisions.
The bill’s passage marks a significant shift in Pakistan’s power structure, further strengthening the military’s hold over the state. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former premier Nawaz Sharif, and PPP leader Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari were all present in the session that witnessed loud protests from opposition benches.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, who rose to the five-star rank earlier this year following India’s Operation Sindoor, now stands as the most powerful figure in Pakistan’s modern history. His influence extends well beyond defence, shaping the country’s domestic, foreign, and even economic policies.
Munir has also become an active participant in global diplomacy, representing Pakistan in several high-level meetings abroad. His growing stature has drawn international attention, with US President Donald Trump recently referring to him as his favourite field marshal for his role in trade negotiations between Washington and Islamabad.
