Pakistan’s 27th Amendment — A Step Toward Institutional Stability and National Security

By Dr Ashraf Chohan
Chairman PMLN UK
Chief Editor Daily Rapid Lahore

The 27th Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan is a historic and long-overdue initiative aimed at reforming two of the most vital pillars of the state: the judiciary and the armed forces. It seeks to refine the relationship between the executive, judiciary, and defence establishment so that each institution performs its constitutional duties effectively — without paralyzing or undermining the other.

The amendment introduces a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) to handle constitutional interpretation and federation–province disputes, leaving the Supreme Court to focus on appeals and judicial administration. It also strengthens the judicial appointment and transfer process, ensuring transparency and discipline within the superior judiciary.

On the defence side, the amendment reorganises the military command structure: the Army Chief will serve as Chief of Defence Forces, replacing the outdated post of Chairman Joint Chiefs. It also formally recognises honorary ranks such as Field Marshal or Marshal of the Air Force, aligning Pakistan’s structure with advanced military systems worldwide. These steps modernise command and enhance unified decision-making in times of crisis.

Sections of the media and certain political circles have opposed this reform, portraying it as an encroachment on judicial independence or a step toward centralisation. However, these criticisms largely come from quarters that have historically benefited from judicial activism and political instability.

The so-called “hybrid system” argument ignores Pakistan’s complex realities — a country surrounded by volatile neighbours, facing security, economic, and internal governance challenges. In such an environment, strong civil–military coordination is not a weakness; it is a necessity for survival.

Many journalists and opposition figures continue to glorify a judiciary that has repeatedly destabilised elected governments through excessive use of suo motu powers, interference in executive decisions, and direct involvement in political controversies. Such interventions, while briefly popular with opposition parties, have damaged Pakistan’s democracy and governance capacity.

No constitutional democracy can function when courts begin to dictate policy or dismiss governments elected by the people. Pakistan’s judicial history is filled with episodes where judges exceeded their mandate:

– Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was disqualified in 2017 after the Panama Papers case — a political crisis that paralysed governance.
– Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani was dismissed in 2012 on contempt charges.
– Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf faced similar proceedings soon after.

Several former Chief Justices aggressively invoked suo motu powers on petty administrative matters, turning courts into political stages. This created uncertainty, weakened the executive branch, and discouraged reform. The judiciary, instead of ensuring implementation of parliamentary laws, became an alternative power centre.

The 27th Amendment corrects this imbalance. It seeks to place the judiciary back within its constitutional limits — independent in adjudication, yet respectful of parliament’s law-making authority. The courts should serve the law, not substitute it. The amendment does not reduce independence; it restores order and responsibility within the system.

Pakistan’s army operates under extraordinary circumstances. Within the last few years alone, Pakistan has faced border tensions with India, missile strikes from Iran, ongoing instability along the Afghan frontier, and internal terrorist threats. The armed forces must maintain constant operational readiness while managing multiple external and internal fronts.

In this strategic context, reforms that strengthen military command are essential. The 27th Amendment provides clarity, unity of command, and institutional continuity. It ensures that the chain of command remains efficient, modern, and free from political or judicial interference.

Critics have needlessly focused on honorary designations such as Field Marshal, claiming these may politicise the military. This argument is baseless. The title is honorary and ceremonial, not executive. In reality, Pakistan’s Field Marshals and Army Chiefs have been among the most respected internationally — even foreign leaders such as President Donald Trump have acknowledged the stature of Pakistan’s top military leadership in global forums.

Moreover, whether a serving or retired military officer holds influence is not a matter for journalists or opposition politicians. The armed forces are Pakistan’s first line of defence, and their internal reforms must be supported by all democratic institutions.

Geopolitically, Pakistan stands in a turbulent neighbourhood. Iran has recently engaged in cross-border operations; Afghanistan remains unpredictable; India continues its aggressive posture and has openly spoken of revenge for past conflicts. In such conditions, national cohesion and an empowered command structure are vital.

The 27th Amendment gives Pakistan the legal and institutional framework to respond decisively to security challenges, while keeping all state organs within defined boundaries. The armed forces cannot operate effectively if their constitutional position remains ambiguous or subject to political manipulation.

The 27th Amendment is not about curbing freedom or silencing dissent — it is about restoring balance, discipline, and national purpose. It strengthens the elected government’s authority to govern, limits judicial adventurism, and ensures that the armed forces can fulfil their constitutional duties without interference.

Those who oppose this reform often forget that no Prime Minister in Pakistan’s history has completed a full term, largely due to institutional clashes and judicial overreach. It is time to end this cycle.

By empowering the executive to implement laws passed by parliament, by allowing the judiciary to focus on justice rather than politics, and by providing the armed forces a clear command structure, Pakistan moves closer to stability, respect for the rule of law, and true democratic continuity. In a region fraught with danger, Pakistan’s unity, discipline, and institutional harmony are its greatest strengths. The 27th Amendment, therefore, should be seen not as a political manoeuvre — but as a national necessity for peace, strength, and survival.