Under the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Pakistan, fundamental changes are being made in the judicial and defense systems, marking the beginning of a new era in the country’s power structure and constitutional interpretations.
These amendments will not only bring new clarity to the jurisdiction of the higher judiciary but also introduce a major revolutionary shift in the system of military leadership.
Major changes in the judicial system
According to the new amendment, a new court will be established in Pakistan called the Federal Constitutional Court.
This court will have exclusive jurisdiction to hear cases related to constitutional matters, constitutional interpretations, and legal disputes. Its main office will be established in Islamabad. The primary objective of this court will be to eliminate constitutional ambiguities and ensure uniform interpretation of the constitution.
Another major change in the judicial system concerns the transfer of judges. Previously, the transfer of high court judges was a complex process, but now the President of Pakistan will have the authority, on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission of Pakistan, to transfer a high court judge from one province to another.
In this new procedure, the Chief Justices of both high courts will also be included in the Judicial Commission as members, ensuring transparency and consensus in decision-making.
The amendment also includes a clause regarding immunity for the President and Governors. According to the amendment, as long as a person holds the office of President or Governor, no criminal case can be filed or heard against them in any court. Once they leave office, if they hold any other public office, the immunity will automatically end.
Revolutionary changes in defense leadership
The biggest change in the defense structure comes in the form of a new position called Chief of Defence Forces. Under this, the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished on November 27, 2025.
Now, on the recommendation of the Prime Minister, the President of Pakistan will appoint the Chief of Army Staff as the Chief of Defence Forces as well. Thus, one individual will command all three armed forces — the army, navy, and air force.
Meanwhile, the appointments of the Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff will be made solely on the advice of the Prime Minister. A new position, Commander National Strategic Command, has also been created for the supervision and command of nuclear assets.
This position will be held by a senior officer of the Pakistan Army, nominated by the Chief of Defence Forces and approved by the Prime Minister.
According to the amendment, if the Government of Pakistan promotes any senior military officer to a five-star rank — Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet — that officer will retain their rank, uniform, and all privileges for life.
Even after completing their command tenure, such an officer may be assigned specific duties in the national interest, which they will perform under the direction of the federal government.
These amendments indicate changes in the constitutional and military structure that could deeply impact Pakistan’s system of governance, military discipline, and constitutional interpretation in the coming years.
