• Source:JND
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Pakistan has been gripped by a storm of political unrest as opposition groups mobilise nationwide protests against the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which they argue threatens to upend the country’s democratic foundations. The amendment, currently under consideration in Parliament, seeks to introduce sweeping changes to the balance of power among state institutions. 

At the heart of the controversy is the creation of a new, constitutionally empowered position: the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The post is expected to be held by the current Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who would also be recognised as the head of Pakistan’s Army, Navy and Air Force. This change would replace the existing role of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) by amending Article 243 of the Constitution.

Opposition leaders claim that the proposed role consolidates unprecedented authority in the hands of the military and grants lifetime immunity from prosecution. Critics warn that this could pave the way for indirect military rule and weaken civilian oversight.

Judicial Reforms Stir Further Concerns

The amendment also proposes far-reaching judicial reforms, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and revisions to the appointment process of High Court judges. Additionally, powers traditionally held by the Supreme Court would be shifted to the new Constitutional Court, raising concerns about the dilution of judicial autonomy. The president, according to the proposal, would also receive lifelong immunity from criminal proceedings.

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Government Pursues Parliamentary Path

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar tabled the amendment in the Senate on Saturday, after which Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani referred it to a house committee for deliberations. Committee head Farooq Naek announced the intention to build consensus before the amendment returns for voting.

Opposition Mobilises Nationwide Protests

Outside Parliament, tempers are flaring. The opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-TahafuzAyeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), blasted the amendment as a “dark and dangerous” attempt to shake “the foundations of the Constitution.” Leaders including Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas and PkMAP chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai released a video statement urging citizens to take to the streets beginning November 9.

Protesters have begun chanting “Down with dictatorship”, accusing the Shehbaz Sharif-led government of enabling creeping militarisation. Demonstrations have erupted across major cities as public anxiety deepens.

Former defence secretary Lt Gen Asif Yasin Malik (Retd), speaking to Dawn, cautioned that elevating the Army Chief above other branches undermines institutional balance.

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