Relevance: GS Paper II – Comparative Politics, Governance;
Source: The Hindu, Reuters
Pakistan’s Parliament has passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment, granting lifetime legal immunity to President Asif Ali Zardari and Army Chief Asim Munir, while elevating the Army Chief to a new position — Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — with command over all three armed services. The amendment also restructures judicial oversight in constitutional matters.
Key Provisions Of tHe Amendment
Provision | Key Detail |
| Lifetime Immunity | President, Army Chief (and officers promoted to top ceremonial ranks) retain legal immunity even after retirement. |
| New Defence Structure | Creation of CDF post with tri-service authority. |
| Judicial Changes | Establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, reducing the role of the Supreme Court in constitutional interpretation. |
| Legislative Backing | Passed with a two-thirds parliamentary majority. |
Why It Matters
- Indicates increasing militarisation of governance in Pakistan.
- Weakens democratic checks such as judicial independence.
- May influence Pakistan’s internal stability, impacting its relations with India.
- A stronger military role can shape Pakistan’s stance on border issues, Kashmir policy, and security negotiations.
- Important for India’s study of neighbourhood geopolitics and evolving civil–military balance in the region.
Pakistan’s constitutional shift centralises military and executive authority, reshaping governance and carrying implications for regional stability and India’s strategic environment.
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