Pakistan’s Cabinet Greenlights 27th Constitutional Amendment Draft Amid Political Backlash

27th Constitutional Amendment Draft Amid Political Backlash / Photo File (Suno News)

Pakistan’s federal cabinet on November 8, 2025, approved the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, marking one of the most sweeping reform proposals in recent years. The draft introduces major institutional and governance changes, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, adjustments to provincial cabinet sizes, and significant restructuring of military command authority.

According to government sources, the proposed Federal Constitutional Court would exclusively handle constitutional petitions, a move intended to streamline judicial efficiency and reduce the burden on the Supreme Court. The amendment also transfers the authority to approve high court judge transfers to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP), a measure that the government claims will enhance transparency in judicial appointments.

One of the most controversial elements of the amendment is the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, replacing the position with a newly created role — the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This position would serve as the centralized commander of all armed services, including the army, navy, and air force.

The amendment further proposes granting lifetime honorary military ranks to “national heroes” while offering them constitutional protections from impeachment, a clause that opposition parties have denounced as unconstitutional.

Political reactions were swift and polarized. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) strongly criticized the amendment, accusing the government of undermining civilian supremacy and judicial independence. Opposition leaders warned that the proposed changes would concentrate excessive power in the executive branch and disrupt the existing balance among Pakistan’s democratic institutions.

As the bill moves to parliamentary committees for review, protests and intense debate are expected in the coming days. Analysts say the amendment, if passed, could significantly alter Pakistan’s civil-military dynamics and constitutional framework.