Overview:
Pakistan’s constitution has been changed many times since 1973 to balance powers between government and provinces, redefine roles of institutions, and address new challenges in politics and security. After Senate approved the bill for the 27th constitutional amendment, the president also gave his assent to the amendment, enacting into law, just yesterday. The federal cabinet approved the draft bill of the 27th constitutional amendment on 8th November, 2025. On the same day, the bill was presented in Senate for voting, which was passed by a 2/3rd majority of the Senate, having 64 votes in favour and just 4 against it. Then it was sent to National Assembly, where it was approved after some amendments. The bill had 59 clauses and 8 were changed in the final draft, most of them related to the Chief Justice of Pakistan.
Therefore, the proposed legislation was again presented in Senate on 13 November, to consider the latest changes, and hence, a second round of voting occurred. This amendment was introduced by Federal government and presented in Senate by Law minister Azam Nazir Tarar. The 27th amendment follows the 26th national amendment, which was passed in October, 2024 and is now a part of law after the President’s approval.
Key points:
The amendment alters the structure of the judiciary and undermines the judiciary functions in various ways.
Judicial reforms:
- Establishment of Federal Constitutional Court (FCC):
A new court will be established to handle constitutional matters, with equal representation from all provinces.
- Supreme Court’s reduced role:
The Supreme Court will focus on civil and criminal cases while FCC will handle the constitutional interpretation and disputes.
- Judicial appointments:
The President and Prime Minister will play key role in appointing FCC judges and Parliament will decide the number of judges.
Military Reforms:
- Chief of Defence Forces:
A new position will be created, with the Army Chief serving as the CDF, overseeing all military services.
- Commander of National Strategic Command:
A new post will be created to oversee Pakistan’s nuclear and strategic assets, appointed by the Prime Minister on the CDF’s recommendation.
- Five-Star Officers’ Immunity:
Officers like Field Marshal Asim Munir will enjoy lifetime immunity from prosecution and will retain their rank and privileges.
Other Changes:
- Presidential immunity:
The president will have lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings.
- Provincial Share in NFC Award:
The amendment proposes revisiting the provincial share in federal revenues.
- Executive Magistrate:
Restoration of executive magistrates to improve local administration and access to justice.
Reactions and Response:
PTI:
The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf strongly opposed the amendment, calling it an attack on constitutional structure and a conspiracy against the constitution. The party has also called for nationwide protest over this amendment.
Provincial Government of KPK:
The Provincial government of KPK, disapproved the amendment whereas Chief Minister Sohail Afridi called it a “blatant usurpation of powers” and a “robbery of provincial autonomy”.
Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Aayin Pakistan (TTAP):
The opposition alliance, TTAP, including PTI, PkMAP, BNP-M, and others announced a nationwide protest campaign.
Senior judges of Supreme Court:
Supreme Court judges, Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah resigned after the passage of the 27th constitutional amendment, mentioning it as a “grave assault” on constitution in his resignation letter.
Write By: Abiha Bilal
