Editorial 1: ​​​​Power grab

Context

Gen. Munir’s quiet power grab in Pakistan may ultimately turn against him.

Introduction

The 27th Amendment marks a turning point in Pakistan’s politics, openly cementing the military’s dominance over a weakened democratic order. By empowering Gen. Asim Munir through sweeping structural changes — from creating the Chief of Defence Forces to granting lifetime immunity — the amendment reshapes institutions, reduces judicial independence, and signals a new era of centralised military authority.

Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment

Growing dominance of the military

• The 27th Amendment, passed on November 13, formalises the long-standing reality of military dominance over Pakistan’s political system.
• Gen. Asim Munir, the current Army Chief, has been steadily centralising authority.
• The Shehbaz Sharif-led coalition functions largely under his influence and approval.

Elevation and rank restructuring

• After a brief India–Pakistan conflict in May, the government elevated Gen. Munir to Field Marshal — Pakistan’s second-ever five-star officer after Ayub Khan.
• The amendment solidifies his long-term influence through institutional changes.

Key Constitutional and Institutional Changes

Major revisions under Article 243

• A new post, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), is created to command the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• The Army Chief will simultaneously serve as the new Chief of Defence Forces, making the role immensely powerful.

Control of nuclear command

• Establishes a Commander of the National Strategic Command for oversight of nuclear and strategic assets.
• Appointment made by the Prime Minister on the Army Chief’s recommendation — reinforcing military dominance in nuclear policy.

Life-long immunity and tenure

• Officers promoted to five-star rank receive:
  • Lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution.
  • Permanent military service, remaining in uniform until death.
  • Removal only through a process similar to impeachment under Article 47.
• This currently applies solely to Gen. Munir, making him a legally protected power centre.
• The President also enjoys similar immunity protections.

Key Structural Changes Introduced by the 27th Amendment

Impact on Judiciary

Diminishing independence

• The Supreme Court loses its authority to interpret the Constitution.
• A new Constitutional Court, with judges appointed by the government, replaces this role.
• Several senior judges have resigned in protest, signalling erosion of judicial autonomy.

Democratic Backsliding

Historical context

• Pakistan’s democratic institutions were always fragile but occasionally resisted authoritarian overreach.
• Civil society and political actors historically reclaimed some democratic space during crises.

Current scenario

• The present ruling class appears unusually willing to concede ground to the military.
• Imran Khan remains the only major political figure openly challenging Gen. Munir but has been imprisoned for over two years.
• With the opposition weakened and leadership jailed, Gen. Munir’s authority expands unhindered.

Risks and Future Outlook

Underlying vulnerabilities

• Pakistan is grappling with:
  • A growing insurgency in tribal areas,
  • Deteriorating ties with India and Afghanistan,
  • Continuing public mobilisation by Imran Khan’s PTI,
  • Severe economic distress.

Potential blowback

• Gen. Munir has effectively carried out an indirect coup, relying on a compliant political class.
• Pakistan’s history shows that military strongmen eventually face decline, often triggered by political, economic, or security crises.
• Given the current instability, his centralisation of power may backfire sooner rather than later.

Conclusion
The amendment strengthens Gen. Munir’s grip but exposes Pakistan to long-term instability. With rising insurgency, poor economic conditions, and fractured civilian politics, over-centralisation may trigger unexpected backlash. History shows Pakistan’s military strongmen eventually face decline. By undermining democratic checks and empowering one individual, the country risks deepening its crises and accelerating the eventual collapse of this militarised power structure.