Pakistan's political landscape has undergone a seismic shift following the rapid passage of a constitutional amendment that critics are labelling a 'constitutional coup'. The 27th amendment to the country's constitution, approved last month, has cemented the power of army chief General Asim Munir, granting him authority unprecedented in recent Pakistani history.
The Amendment That Changed Everything
In a swift parliamentary process that took just a few hours, both the senate and lower house passed the amendment with the necessary two-thirds majority. This stands in stark contrast to previous amendments, which were typically debated for weeks. The changes are profound: General Asim Munir's five-year term as army chief has been reset, with the possibility of further extension, potentially keeping him in power for another decade.
More significantly, his command now extends beyond the army to include the navy and air force. Crucially, the amendment grants him lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution. Analysts argue this effectively places Munir above the law, with privileges reminiscent of past military dictators.
A Judiciary Undermined and a 'King' Crowned
The constitutional overhaul has also directly targeted Pakistan's judiciary. A new constitutional court, with judges selected by the government, will replace the supreme court. This move prompted the resignation of several senior judges in protest. Ayyaz Mallick, a Pakistan specialist at the University of Liverpool, described the situation as 'military rule, martial law by any other name'.
Opposition voices have been scathing. Mahmood Khan Achakzai, chair of the opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan, stated: 'There is no constitution in Pakistan now... They have made one man into a king above all.' The UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Turk, warned of 'far-reaching consequences for the principles of democracy and rule of law'.
Munir's Rise to Unchallenged Authority
General Munir's consolidation of power follows a period of significant political manoeuvring. After a contested election in 2024, the resulting coalition government is seen as weak and reliant on military backing—what analyst Mallick calls a 'military ventilator'.
Munir's popularity surged after hostilities with India broke out in May 2025, involving cross-border drone and missile strikes. Following Pakistani claims of downing Indian jets, Munir declared victory, stoking nationalistic fervour. He was subsequently promoted to a five-star general.
His international profile was bolstered by two meetings with US President Donald Trump, who reportedly dubbed him his 'favourite field marshal'. Munir also fronted a significant defence pact with Saudi Arabia in September, further elevating his statesman image.
Profound Dangers and Internal Dissent
The amendment raises alarming questions about the future of civilian oversight, particularly concerning Pakistan's nuclear arsenal. Analysts fear Munir—described by some as a 'reckless operator' with a hardline stance on India—now has singular control over nuclear command, with all civilian checks removed.
Concern exists even within the military. One retired senior general, speaking anonymously, called the amendment 'disastrous', noting resentment was growing in the navy and air force. He stated the change 'does not benefit the defence structure; rather it benefits just one individual'.
Despite the criticism, supporters like Defence Minister Khawaja Asif defended the move, arguing parliament bestowed immunity because Munir 'won the war against India for the country'.
An Uncertain Future for Pakistani Democracy
Experts warn the long-term implications are grave. Farzana Shaikh of Chatham House called it the 'most significant setback to any kind of transition towards an accountable government'. Walter Ladwig of King's College London noted that reversing this amendment to rebalance power toward civilian control would now be a 'significant feat', as Munir is harder to remove than any prime minister or president.
However, Munir's new power comes with immense challenges. Pakistan faces two domestic insurgencies, hostilities with India and Afghanistan, and a severe economic crisis. As history shows, long-term plans by generals can unravel. Ayyaz Mallick pointed to former dictator Pervez Musharraf's downfall, noting: 'If money doesn’t flow in, the whole thing falls apart.'
The 27th amendment has fundamentally altered Pakistan's constitutional framework, enshrining military dominance and creating a figure of authority with powers not seen for generations. The world now watches to see if this concentration of power brings stability or sows the seeds of its own destruction.
