Pakistan’s National Assembly on Wednesday passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill with a two-thirds majority, marking a major shift in the country’s judicial and defense structures. The Senate had already approved the bill prior to the lower house’s vote.
The session, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, saw Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar present the amendment motion. The voting process faced disruption as opposition members staged a protest in front of the Speaker’s dais. However, the amendment was carried with 231 votes in favor and only 4 against, while members of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) opposed the bill.
The law minister clarified during the debate that Justice Yahya Afridi will remain Chief Justice of Pakistan until his retirement. Afterward, the position will be assumed by the most senior Chief Justice from either the Federal Constitutional Court or the Supreme Court, depending on seniority.
The session was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PML-N leader Nawaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and other senior leaders. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari was also present, while veteran politician Khurshid Shah attended the session in a wheelchair following his hospitalization.
Major Amendments to Articles 200 and 209
The National Assembly approved amendments to Articles 200 and 209, significantly redefining the powers of the President regarding judicial transfers and accountability.
Under the new law, the President may only transfer a High Court judge on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission, which will now include the Chief Justice of the respective High Court. Moreover, judicial transfers will fall under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Judicial Commission.
The amendment prohibits the transfer of a High Court Chief Justice or any senior judge above the Chief Justice in seniority, preserving the judicial hierarchy and independence.
If a judge refuses a transfer, a reference will be filed in the Supreme Judicial Council, which must decide the matter within 30 days. During this time, the concerned judge will not perform judicial duties. Provisions regarding retirement benefits and pension rights have also been updated.
Article 209’s revision also mandates the creation of new rules for the Supreme Judicial Council within 60 days, expanding its membership to include senior judges from both the Federal Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court.
Chief of Army Staff Title Replaced with “Commander of Defense Forces”
In another landmark decision, the Assembly approved an amendment to Article 243, renaming the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to “Commander of Defense Forces.”
Under the new clause, the President—acting on the advice of the Prime Minister—will appoint the Commander of Defense Forces, similar to the appointments of the Air and Naval Chiefs.
The amendment also states that the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27, 2025, while the Commander of National Strategic Command will be appointed on the Army Chief’s recommendation.
Additionally, the federal government may promote officers to honorary ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet, granting them lifetime privileges, ranks, and legal immunity under Article 248. These officers will be recognized as national heroes and cannot be removed except through procedures outlined in Article 47.
This sweeping reform package is being hailed as a milestone in balancing civil-military relations and ensuring transparency within Pakistan’s judicial and defense institutions.
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