Parliament moves to reshape Judiciary, Defense command structure

November 11, 2025 (MLN): The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill was presented in the National Assembly on Tuesday by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, marking a major development in Pakistan’s constitutional framework. The bill has already been passed by the Senate, paving the way for significant structural and institutional reforms.

Highlighting the key features of the amendment, the Law Minister said it envisions the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court to deal exclusively with constitutional interpretation and related cases.

The court will have equal representation from all federating units in line with the Charter of Democracy, with the Islamabad High Court also securing representation. The court’s permanent seat will be in Islamabad.

Azam Nazeer Tarar explained that under the amendment, the President may transfer a High Court judge from one province to another based on recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP). The chief justices of both the transferring and receiving high courts will also be members of the JCP for such decisions.

A major restructuring within the defense command is also included in the amendment. It stipulates that the President shall appoint the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who will concurrently serve as the Chief of the Defense Forces, on the advice of the Prime Minister. Similarly, the Chiefs of Air and Naval Staff will be appointed on the Prime Minister’s advice.

The office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) will be abolished from November 27, 2025. Following this, the Prime Minister, upon the recommendation of the Chief of the Defense Forces, will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from among Pakistan Army officers.

The amendment also states that officers promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will retain their ranks, privileges, and uniforms for life, with their post-command duties defined by the federal government in the interest of the state.

In another key provision, the amendment grants lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings to the President, and immunity to Governors during their tenure. However, this protection will not apply if the President holds a public office after completing his term.

The Law Minister emphasized that the amendment underwent extensive deliberations in both houses of Parliament, including detailed reviews by the relevant standing committees. He expressed gratitude to coalition partners for their support and constructive input during the legislative process.

The National Assembly session began with a fateha for the late Senator Irfan Siddiqui, acknowledging his contributions to national politics and public service.

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