27th Constitutional Amendment: Pakistan’s Power Map Might Be Getting Redrawn

At the center of this big change is a new institution called the Federal Constitutional Court. This court will handle all key constitutional matters, including disputes between the federation and provinces, and questions about basic rights. In simple words, the kind of cases that currently go to the Supreme Court will now be heard by this new court.

According to the draft, the Supreme Court will no longer have suo motu powers under Article 184. Those powers will be transferred to the Federal Constitutional Court. The new court will have seven judges, and its Chief Justice will serve a three-year term, retiring at the age of 68. The decisions of this court will be binding on all other courts, which means even the Supreme Court will not be able to overrule them.

The process of appointing judges will also change. The Judicial Commission will now include both the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court. And the rulings of one court will not be binding on the other, marking a big departure from the current system.

The military structure is also being revised. The post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished. Instead, the Army Chief will hold a new title — Chief of Defence Forces — and will command all three services: the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

Another new proposal introduces a title called “National Hero” for officers who reach the ranks of Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet, or Air Marshal of the Fleet. These officers will receive lifetime privileges and can only be removed by the President under Article 47.

The executive branch will also see some adjustments. The Prime Minister will be allowed to appoint up to seven advisers, and the Chief Ministers will also be able to expand their advisory teams. Any judge who refuses appointment to the Supreme Court or Constitutional Court will automatically be considered retired.

A new set of articles, from 175B to 175L, defines the powers and structure of the Federal Constitutional Court. Other articles, including 176 to 183, are being rephrased to align with the new setup. Articles 186 and 191A are set to be deleted.

If approved, this amendment would not just tweak the Constitution — it would redefine Pakistan’s power structure. There would be one court handling constitutional matters, a unified military command under one chief, and a new framework for judicial and executive authority.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting via video link, thanking allies, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Nawaz Sharif for their support. The bill will now be presented in the Senate and then reviewed by a Joint Parliamentary Committee.

Main Highlights

Field Marshal Rank (Article 243): Officers with ranks like Field Marshal will be declared “National Heroes” with lifetime privileges and protection from removal except by the President.

Federal Constitutional Court: A seven-member court that will handle constitutional and suo motu cases. The Chief Justice will have a three-year term, and judges will retire at 68.

Military Restructuring: The post of CJCSC will end, and the Army Chief will become the Chief of Defence Forces, leading all branches.

Judicial Reforms: The Supreme Court’s suo motu powers will end, and a restructured Judicial Commission will include both Chief Justices.

Executive Powers: The Prime Minister and Chief Ministers will be allowed to appoint more advisers.

According to government sources, the aim is to strengthen federal harmony and balance power between institutions. The PPP has expressed cautious support, especially for the military reforms, while the PTI has called the move a “shift toward military-judicial dominance.”

For now, the amendment remains at the draft stage, awaiting Senate and committee approval. But if it goes through, Pakistan’s constitutional system will enter a whole new chapter.