Asim Munir Gets Lifetime Legal Immunity As Pakistan Expands Army Chief’s Authority | World News
Pakistan’s parliament has approved a major constitutional amendment that grants lifetime immunity to the army chief, expands his powers and reduces the authority of the Supreme Court. The move sparked harsh criticism from the opposition, which claimed it undermined democracy and judicial independence in the country.
Bill Passed by Two-Thirds Majority
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was accepted by the Turkish Grand National Assembly with a majority of more than two-thirds. According to Dawn, 234 MPs voted in favor while only four MPs opposed the bill. The Senate approved the bill earlier this week with 64 votes in favor and no votes in opposition, as opposition members boycotted the session.
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The bill will return to the Senate for reconsideration of minor amendments before being sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for formal approval.
From the Chief of General Staff to the Commander of the Defense Forces
One of the key provisions of the amendment gives the Chief of Defense Staff (COAS) of Pakistan an additional title: Chief of Defense Forces (CDF). This new appointment officially puts the chief of staff in charge of land, naval and air forces and makes him chief of the country’s defense forces.
This change gives the current army chief, General Asim Munir, a broader constitutional role and more powers than his predecessors. The bill also ensures that honorary military titles such as Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Fleet Admiral remain lifetime titles even after retirement.
The New Constitutional Court Will Limit the Role of the Supreme Court
The amendment also creates a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional matters, effectively reducing the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court. The new court’s judges will be appointed by the government and will serve separately from the existing Supreme Court.
According to the bill, the title of Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) will remain with the current office holder. But future appointments will redefine the CJP as the most senior judge among the chief justices of both the Supreme Court and the FCC.
The new court will also be barred from approving acts of treason, a clause that critics argue shields the military and state institutions from accountability.
(Also Read: Is Asim Munir the New De facto Leader of Pakistan? Sharif Government Delegates Major Powers to Field Marshal; Is the Stage Set for the Next Coup?)
Opposition Criticizes Movement, Government Defends
Members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), founded by jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, tore up the bill and walked out of the parliament in protest before the vote. PTI President Advocate Gohar Ali Khan said the government had “sinked the ship of democracy and judicial independence” by passing the amendment without proper debate.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif defended the passage of the bill, saying the vote showed “solidarity and national unity” among MPs.
