Pakistan is reportedly preparing to introduce a major constitutional amendment, a development that reinforces Field Marshal Asim Munir, the Pakistan Army Chief, is tightening his grip over the country’s political administration. The proposed amendment, identified as the 27th Constitutional Amendment, is said to be designed to expand the military’s role and authority within the constitutional framework. According to several reports, the Shehbaz Sharif–led government is expected to present the amendment in parliament soon, with specific provisions related to the command and appointments in the armed forces. The move is widely viewed as further consolidating Asim Munir’s influence and strengthening his position within the Pakistani state. Munir’s rise has been watched closely, especially since he was awarded the rank of Field Marshal following India’s Operation Sindoor in May. The promotion marked him as the most powerful military officer in the country, and political analysts noted that he had become an invisible but decisive force guiding Pakistan’s governance.
Pakistan is legalizing dictatorship. The proposed 27th Amendment will turn #AsimMunir into a Field Marshal for life, place the Army above the Constitution & make Pakistan a full-fledged military state. #CorruptPakArmy@YashMor5@SoldierNationF1@col_chaubey@bdun53@ajaykraina pic.twitter.com/jZinrIm5Rn
— Bhairav Force (OSint) (@BhairavForce) November 4, 2025
Munir’s growing international presence also surprised many, after reports emerged that he met US President Donald Trump at the White House during a recent delegation-level visit. His active role in several diplomatic discussions was noted widely in Pakistani and international media. Trump’s unusually warm reference to him as “Dear Field Marshal” was interpreted as a signal of Munir’s rising connection with Washington and the CIA. Speculation surrounding the 27th Amendment intensified after an unexpected tweet by Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. In his post, Bilawal revealed that the federal government had approached him seeking support for the constitutional changes. The speculation was further confirmed on Tuesday, when Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar openly admitted in the Senate that the government was preparing to move forward with the amendment. “The government is bringing it, and yes, it will come. The 27th Amendment is coming. We will try to introduce it in accordance with principles, laws, and the Constitution,” Dar stated.
What are the proposed Amendments?
According to the media, the 27th Amendment primarily focuses on changes to Article 243 of the Constitution, which governs the appointment of the Army Chief and overall command of the armed forces. Analysts believe this provision is crucial, as it could formalise certain special powers and secure greater autonomy for the military leadership. Other major proposals reportedly include the creation of constitutional courts, simplifying the procedure for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner, reinstating executive magistrates, expanding government power to transfer judges. Additionally, the amendment is said to propose reducing the share of federal resources allocated to provincial governments. It may also shift control of the ministries of education and population welfare from provincial administrations to the federal government. Most significantly, the amendment reportedly seeks to end constitutional protection of provincial financial shares under the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, a move expected to trigger strong responses from regional parties.
For the 27th Amendment to pass, it must receive a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the National Assembly. In the 336-member National Assembly, the government is expected to face no challenge, as it currently commands the support of 233 members. In the Senate, however, the ruling coalition has the support of 61 out of 96 senators, meaning at least three opposition votes will be required. Reports suggest that support may come from Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazl), giving the government a pathway to secure the majority. PTI leader Hamid Khan has announced that his party will strongly oppose the legislation. Speaking to the media, Khan said the PTI will attempt to block what he described as the government’s plan to “destroy the Constitution” and turn Pakistan into a military-dominated state. As debates intensify, the proposed amendment is shaping up to be one of the most controversial constitutional changes in Pakistan’s recent political history.
