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Pakistan approves constitutional amendment granting lifetime immunity to president and army chief
Pakistan’s parliament has passed a major constitutional amendment granting lifetime immunity to the country’s president and current army chief, a move critics warn could undermine democratic oversight and judicial independence.
The 27th amendment, approved by a two-thirds majority, also consolidates military authority under a newly created Chief of Defence Forces position and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court.
Under the new law, Army Chief Asim Munir, recently promoted to field marshal following Pakistan’s clash with India in May, will hold command over the army, air force, and navy, and like other top military officials, will enjoy lifelong protections.
Any officer promoted to field marshal, marshal of the air force, or admiral of the fleet will now retain their rank and privileges for life, remain in uniform, and enjoy immunity from criminal proceedings — protections previously reserved only for the head of state.
“This amendment will increase authoritarianism, and whatever semblance of democracy existed in the country will fade,” said Osama Malik, a lawyer based in Islamabad. “It removes civilian oversight from military activities and disrupts the established military hierarchy.”
The amendment also grants immunity to President Asif Ali Zardari, shielding him from prosecution. However, the protection does not apply if a former president assumes another public office. Zardari has faced multiple graft cases, though proceedings were previously stayed.
Additionally, the amendment bars courts from challenging any constitutional change “on any ground whatsoever”. The bill now awaits the president’s signature to become law.
