Pakistan constitutional amendment grants lifetime immunity to top leaders and military chiefs, sparking outrage over threats to democracy and judicial independence

Pakistan constitutional amendment has triggered widespread outrage after the country’s parliament on Thursday approved sweeping constitutional changes granting lifetime immunity to the president and the current army chief.

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The controversial 27th Amendment, passed by a two-thirds majority, consolidates military authority under a newly created Chief of Defence Forces position and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court.

Under the legislation, Army Chief Asim Munir, who was recently promoted to field marshal following border clashes with India, will now command the army, navy and air force.

Officers promoted to the highest military ranks will retain their titles, uniforms and privileges for life, while enjoying immunity from criminal prosecution — a protection once limited to the head of state.

Critics, however, warn that the move entrenches authoritarian rule and weakens the fragile democratic framework.

“This constitutional amendment will increase authoritarianism, and whatever little semblance of democracy existed will fade away,” said Islamabad-based lawyer Osama Malik.

Opposition lawmakers, led by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), tore up copies of the bill during a heated session.

PTI spokesman Sayed Zulfiqar Bukhari described it as “the final nail in the coffin of an independent judiciary.”

The amendment also shields President Asif Ali Zardari from prosecution for life, though the immunity may lapse if he holds future public office. Zardari has faced multiple graft cases, many of which had been suspended.

Another clause bars courts from questioning constitutional amendments “on any ground whatsoever” and transfers pending constitutional cases to the new Federal Constitutional Court, reducing the Supreme Court’s powers.

Critics say a new provision allowing presidential transfer of High Court judges could be used to punish dissenting voices within the judiciary.

Despite fierce opposition, the Senate passed the bill 64–4 after earlier approval in the National Assembly, sending it to President Zardari for assent.

Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani announced its passage, declaring that the motion had been carried by the required two-thirds majority.

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Political analysts warn that the Pakistan constitutional amendment could mark a decisive shift towards entrenched military dominance, threatening judicial independence and weakening civilian institutions.