Pakistan06 November, 20253 min read
Pakistan Government Pushes 27th Constitutional Amendment to Expand Army Chief’s Powers and Curtail Provincial Funding
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Government finalizes 27th Amendment draft to expand Army Chief’s powers and alter defence command Amendment proposes reducing provincial financial allocations, sparking opposition from coalition partners
7 outlets told this the same way.
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Pakistan's Constitutional Amendment
Pakistan’s government under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is advancing a sweeping 27th Constitutional Amendment that targets military command, judicial structures, and provincial finances. Bhaskar English reports the bill aims to modify Article 243 related to the armed forces’ command and could create a new constitutional post of ‘Commander-in-Chief.’ The bill may also reduce financial allocations to provinces, with the Senate review scheduled for this week and a National Assembly vote on November 14.
“The Pakistan government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, is preparing to introduce the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which aims to modify Article 243 related to the armed forces' command.”
Islamabad Post (Asian) states the draft will go to the cabinet by Friday and then to the Senate, while detailing a package that returns education and population planning to the federal list. In contrast, Arab News (West Asian) says the government has yet to announce when the amendment will be formally introduced in parliament, even as it argues the move could significantly alter the balance of power among the judiciary, military, and provinces. 24 News HD (Asian) underscores the breadth of reforms, citing the removal of provincial share protections in the National Finance Commission Award and a transfer of education and population planning powers back to the federal government.
Military Command Amendments Overview
A central flashpoint is military command. Bhaskar English says the amendment would change Article 243 and could create a new constitutional post of 'Commander-in-Chief,' even possibly allowing General Asim Munir to hold his position for life. Islamabad Post (Asian) focuses on operational integration, saying a key clause enhances coordination among the armed forces for a unified response to foreign threats, inspired by recent conflict experiences with India.
Islamabad Post also lists amending Article 243 on military command. 24 News HD (Asian) confirms the package includes amendments related to the armed forces. Arab News (West Asian) situates this in a broader institutional recalibration that may further reshape military command.
Judicial and Political Amendments
The amendment package reaches far beyond the barracks into courts and commissions. Islamabad Post (Asian) says the PPP agrees with most proposals, naming establishing constitutional courts, restoring executive magistrates, transferring judges, and changes tied to Article 243. The party will finalize its stance in a Central Executive Committee meeting.
“The ruling PML-N has been consulting coalition partners, including the PPP, to secure support... the PPP agrees with most proposed changes—such as establishing constitutional courts, restoring executive magistrates, transferring judges...”
24 News HD (Asian) likewise lists creation of a constitutional court, restoration of executive magistrates, and changes to judicial transfers. Arab News (West Asian) adds that the 27th amendment aims to address ongoing disputes over the appointment of key officials, including members of the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
It places the amendment in the wake of an October 2024 26th amendment that was criticized for undermining judicial independence. Samaa TV (Other) focuses on how the ruling coalition is holding detailed meetings with partners to build consensus and ensure smooth passage.
Provincial Autonomy and Funding Disputes
Provincial autonomy and funding are another battleground. 24 News HD (Asian) specifies the removal of provincial share protections in the National Finance Commission Award and a federal takeover of education and population planning powers. Islamabad Post (Asian) reports the PPP opposes amendments affecting the National Finance Commission Award, fearing it could undermine provincial financial rights, even as it backs many other clauses.
Bhaskar English (Other) adds that the amendment may also reduce financial allocations to provinces. Arab News (West Asian) generalizes that the changes could reshape provincial financial autonomy. Samaa TV (Other) notes the opposition PTI is warning against any compromise on provincial autonomy.
Political Maneuvering on Amendment
The politics are fluid as the government corrals votes. The Nation (Pakistan) reports that MQM-P leaders met the prime minister to incorporate their local government draft into the amendment aimed at devolving greater administrative and financial powers to municipal bodies. The alliance plans to table the 27th amendment soon, expecting its passage later this month.
“Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui and a delegation from MQM-P... met Prime Minister Sharif to discuss incorporating MQM-P’s local government draft into a constitutional amendment aimed at devolving greater administrative and financial powers to municipal bodies... plans to table the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Parliament soon... later this month.”
24 News HD states that MQM-P presented its proposals and conditions for support. Samaa TV details back-to-back meetings with PPP, MQM, IPP, and PML-Q to ensure smooth passage of the amendment.
Arab News highlights opposition pressure as PTI demands the full draft be made public. Islamabad Post notes that the government ordered treasury lawmakers abroad to return promptly to secure the necessary numbers.