Copyright pakobserver
ISLAMABAD – Pakistani government pushed 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate, proposing sweeping powers and unprecedented legal immunity for top officials, including the Prime Minister. Under this amendment, the Prime Minister could join the President in enjoying protection from criminal prosecution during their term, a move that has already sparked intense debate among lawmakers and legal experts. The bill, presented under the chairmanship of Senate Chief Yousaf Raza Gillani, also seeks to redefine the country’s military command structure. Key highlights include: Elevating the Army Chief to ‘Chief of Defence Forces’ and creating a brand-new ‘Commander, National Strategic Command’ post. The abolition of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, a historic pillar of Pakistan’s military hierarchy. Granting military leaders lifetime rank, privileges, and immunity, similar to the President, under Article 248. The judiciary is set for a massive shakeup: Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, with judges serving until age 68. Supreme Court’s suo motu powers could be curtailed, limiting its oversight. The first Chief Justice of this new court will be appointed on the Prime Minister’s recommendation, raising questions about judicial independence. The new court will have the authority to demand records of any ongoing case from any court, potentially centralizing immense judicial power. The bill also touches on provincial powers, education, and population planning, proposing a rollback of provincial shares in the NFC Awards and returning critical powers to the federal government. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting via video link from Baku, marking a modern twist to parliamentary procedures. Minister of Law Azam Nazir Tarar confirmed the bill will now be debated in the Senate before being sent to a joint committee for detailed scrutiny. Political insiders say this amendment could reshape Pakistan’s balance of power, strengthen the executive and military, and rewrite the rules for judicial accountability. Senate’s Standing Committee is set to meet tomorrow to deliberate on these historic changes, which could mark the most controversial constitutional amendment in decades.
