Pakistan’s 27th Amendment: Gen. Asim Munir’s Road to Absolute Power, and the End of Democracy

Pakistan is once again standing at a critical turning point. The country’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment — backed by Field Marshal Gen. Asim Munir and the current government — is being presented as a reform to strengthen “stability” and “national unity.”
But behind those words lies a much bigger story — one that could change Pakistan’s democracy forever.

What Is the 27th Amendment?

The 27th Amendment is a new law being discussed in Pakistan’s Parliament. On the surface, it talks about reorganizing the military and improving coordination between the army, navy, and air force. But when you look deeper, it’s really about giving permanent power and protection to the military, especially to General Asim Munir.

Under this amendment:

• The army chief will be officially promoted to Field Marshal and given lifetime privileges and legal immunity, meaning no court or government could question his actions.

• The military could gain more control over national decisions, including security, the economy, and administration.

• A new Federal Constitutional Court would be created — one that could weaken the current Supreme Court and reduce judicial independence.

• Some powers that belong to provincial governments might be moved back to the central government, giving the military even more influence over the whole country.

In short, it would give the uniform constitutional authority — something Pakistan has never seen in its modern democratic history.

Why Is This So Controversial?

Supporters of the amendment say it will bring “stability” to Pakistan, especially at a time when the country is struggling with economic troubles and political divisions. They argue that it will help all state institutions work together smoothly.

But critics — including lawyers, journalists, and opposition leaders — see it very differently. They say it is not about stability, but about control.

If this amendment passes, Pakistan’s democracy will be left with almost no real power. The army chief, already the most powerful person in the country, would become a permanent figure above politics, untouchable by courts or parliaments.

As one lawyer said, “When a constitution starts to serve one man, it stops serving the nation.”

The Man at the Center: Field Marshal Asim Munir

General Asim Munir became Pakistan’s army chief in 2022 and was promoted to Field Marshal in 2025 — the first person to hold that title since the 1960s. The 27th Amendment would make that title permanent, giving him lifetime powers and protection.

Under his leadership, the military has taken a larger role in managing Pakistan’s economy and foreign affairs. Some of his supporters describe him as a “stabilizing force.” But others warn that such centralization of power could lead to a one-man system, where no one can question decisions — not the Parliament, not the courts, and not the people.

What Could Happen If It Passes?

If the amendment becomes law, Pakistan could face serious consequences:

1. Democracy could weaken even further.
   Civilian leaders would have little authority left. The military could become a permanent part of the political system.

2. Judicial independence could disappear.
   A new court structure could allow the government — and the military — to influence which judges are appointed and how they rule.

3. Provinces might lose their autonomy.
   Local governments would lose power to the central government, which is often controlled by the army. This could increase anger in Balochistan and Sindh.

4. The economy could suffer.
   Investors and international organizations prefer stability and rule of law. If Pakistan’s politics become too military-driven, foreign investors may lose trust.

5. Even the army could split.
   Not all officers may agree with giving one man lifetime power. This could create divisions inside Pakistan’s most powerful institution.

A Lesson from History

This is not the first time something like this has happened. In 1958, General Ayub Khan took power through a military coup and made himself Pakistan’s first Field Marshal. He promised to bring order and growth — but his rule ended with protests, political chaos, and eventually the breakup of Pakistan in 1971.

Many fear that the 27th Amendment is history repeating itself — not through a coup, but through the constitution itself.

What Happens Next?

The amendment has already been approved by the cabinet and presented in Parliament. The ruling coalition — led by the Pakistan Muslim League (N) — seems ready to support it. Opposition parties, lawyers, and civil society groups have started protesting, calling it “a legal coup.”

If Parliament passes the bill, the president’s signature will make it law. Once that happens, it will be almost impossible to reverse.

The 27th Amendment is being sold as a plan for reform, but many Pakistanis see it as the legal end of democracy in their country. It gives extraordinary powers to the military and turns the constitution into a tool for one man’s authority.

When a nation writes unlimited power into its laws, it doesn’t gain stability — it loses freedom.
If this amendment passes, Pakistan may not need another military coup — because the coup will already be written into its constitution.