Pakistan consolidates military power: Munir granted supreme command

WISE NEWS PRESS / ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN — Dec. 6, 2025

The Parliament of Pakistan has approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment, fundamentally restructuring the nation's military and judicial frameworks. According to a Bloomberg analysis, the amendment grants extraordinary powers to Field Marshal Asim Munir, constitutionally cementing military influence over civilian politics.

The regulation consolidates the military's chain of command under a single figure for the first time. The move is justified by claims that it provides Pakistan, a nation of 245 million, with "operational superiority" against its arch-rival India. However, the opposition has labeled the step as the "death of democracy."

Unified command under Munir

The constitutional amendment establishes the position of "Chief of Defense Forces" for the first time. Under this new structure, the Army, Navy, and Air Force are placed directly under the command of Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Munir's term has been extended from 2027 to 2030, and he has been granted "lifetime immunity" from prosecution, cited as a reward for his role in a recent short-term conflict with India. Additionally, while appointments to the newly established National Strategic Command are nominally made by the Prime Minister, the authority to nominate candidates remains with the military.

The thesis of 'operational superiority' against India

According to the Bloomberg analysis, the rationale behind granting Munir supreme powers lies in the quest for military balance with India. The analysis suggests that Pakistan's nuclear capacity and rapid mobilization capability, combined with a unified command system, allow for faster decision-making during crises compared to India. Islamabad views this as a "tactical advantage."

New era in judiciary: Federal Constitutional Court established

The amendment package also transforms the judicial system. A "Federal Constitutional Court" has been established to handle constitutional matters, effectively curbing the powers of the Supreme Court.

• The 13 members of the new court will be appointed by the President.

• This court will hold final supervisory authority over the judiciary.

• Following the decision, two Supreme Court judges resigned, igniting debates over judicial independence.

Civilian politics and future elections

With the new regulations, high-ranking military officials can now only be removed from office through a parliamentary impeachment decision, effectively limiting the civilian government's control over the military.

The extension of Munir's term to 2030 indicates that the military's most powerful figure will play an active role in the 2029 general elections and beyond. Meanwhile, Munir's close relationship with US President Donald Trump and his visits to the White House are interpreted as securing international backing.

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