Pakistan Senate resumes debate on amendment overhauling military command, judiciary

• Amendment proposes new Constitutional Court, judicial transfers panel, restored executive magistracy
• Government rejects opposition concerns of amendment curtailing judicial independence, provincial autonomy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Senate has resumed debate on the proposed 27th constitutional amendment today, Monday, legislation that could significantly reshape the country’s judicial structure, military command arrangements and federal-provincial revenue balance.

The draft amendment tabled last week introduces several far-reaching changes.

It rewrites Article 243 of the Constitution to create the new post of Chief of Defense Forces, abolishing the long-standing role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). The army chief would be elevated to the constitutionally recognized top command of Pakistan’s armed services, while the president would formally appoint the army, navy and air chiefs on the prime minister’s advice. The amendment also proposes establishing a constitutional court, revising procedures on the transfer of judges and altering the framework that governs how federal revenue is shared with provinces.

The proposed changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award, which governs how federal tax revenues are divided among provinces, are particularly sensitive because they underpin Pakistan’s federal structure and provincial fiscal autonomy.

“For the strengthening of the federation, the greater national interest, enhanced harmony among the provinces and improved governance, we all worked together for the 27th constitutional amendment,” Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said at a dinner for coalition senators on Sunday night, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Senate reconvened at 11am today, Monday, while the National Assembly will meet at 4pm, Radio Pakistan reported.

Debate on the bill began in the upper house on Saturday, where opposition members warned the measures would undermine provincial autonomy, fundamental rights, judicial independence and civilian supremacy. Ruling party lawmakers have defended the proposals, saying reforms were necessary.

Constitutional amendments in Pakistan require a two-thirds majority in both houses of parliament. Since its adoption in 1973, Pakistan’s constitution has been amended more than two dozen times, often reflecting shifts in authority among civilian governments, the judiciary and the military.

The latest amendment follows the 26th constitutional amendment passed in October 2024, which gave parliament a role in appointing the chief justice and created a panel of senior judges to hear constitutional cases, measures critics said weakened judicial independence.

The 27th amendment now tests both the internal cohesion of the governing coalition and the durability of Pakistan’s federal power-sharing system, analysts say.