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Pakistan’s legislature approved a comprehensive constitutional amendment on Thursday that grants lifetime immunity to the president and the current army chief, an action that critics have warned could undermine democratic oversight and judicial autonomy.
The 27th amendment, which was approved by a two-thirds majority, also centralises military authority under a newly established Chief of Defence Forces position and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court.
These alterations extend command over the army, air force, and navy to Army Chief Asim Munir, who was promoted to field marshal following Pakistan’s encounter with India in May. He and other high-ranking military officials will benefit from lifetime protections.
With this amendment, any officer elevated to Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will now retain their rank and benefits for life, stay in uniform, and gain immunity from criminal charges.
Previously, such protections were exclusive to the head of state.
Pakistan, a nuclear-capable nation with a population exceeding 250 million, has continuously grappled with the tension between civilian leadership and the military’s involvement in politics.
The amendment also provides President Asif Ali Zardari with immunity from criminal prosecution, but this protection will not apply if he or any other former president later assumes another public office.
Zardari has been involved in numerous corruption cases, although those proceedings have previously been suspended.
The Senate first approved the bill on Monday, after which it was revised and passed by the National Assembly, the lower house, two days later, before returning to the upper house for the final endorsement.
He enacted the bill into law following the parliamentary vote.
