By Admin 
Amidst the increasing power of Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir in Pakistan, Shahbaz Sharif government is going to make major changes in the constitution. The government has confirmed that it will soon introduce the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Parliament, which will bring important changes related to the command of the army and civil-military relations.
Opposition’s concern: Will the army’s interference become stronger?
In Pakistan, the army already has influence on civilian governments. Therefore, critics fear that this amendment will further increase the powers of Army Chief Asim Munir and may weaken civilian control in the country.
Discussion started with a tweet by Bilawal Bhutto
The speculation started when PPP chief Bilawal Bhutto Zardari tweeted that the government had sought his support on the 27th Amendment. After the tweet, this issue rapidly came into political debate.
Government confirmed – “Amendment will be introduced soon”
Speaking in the Senate, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar clearly said that the government is bringing the 27th amendment and it will be introduced only as per the Constitution and rules. He also assured that the amendment will not be voted on in any hurry or without due process.
What is proposed in the 27th Amendment?
Many major changes have been mentioned in Pakistani media reports.
Appointment of Army Chief and change in command: According to reports, the government may propose changes in Article 243 of the Constitution, which deals with the appointment and command of the Army Chief.
Suggestion to create new “Commander-in-Chief” post: Former MP Mustafa Nawaz Kholkhar has claimed that the amendment involves creating a new constitutional post of “Commander-in-Chief”, which can bring about a major change in the military-civil structure of Pakistan.
Proposal to create constitutional courts: The amendment is also said to include a plan to establish special constitutional courts, so that such cases can be resolved quickly.
Reforms in the appointment process of Chief Election Commissioner: The government wants to make the process more simple and clear to reduce delays and disputes in the appointment of the head of the Election Commission.
Preparation to reinstate Executive Magistrate: The amendment suggests bringing back the role of the Executive Magistrate, so that administrative matters can be expedited.
Changes in the process of transfer of judges: It is also being said that the process related to transfer of judges will be changed under the new system.
Attempt to give more powers to the Centre: According to reports, control of the Ministry of Education and Population Welfare may be taken back from the provinces and given to the Centre, which may reduce the powers of the provinces.
Proposal to remove security of financial share of provinces: It is also being said that consideration is going on to remove the constitutional protection of the share given to the provinces under the National Finance Commission (NFC).
Talk of threat to provincial autonomy
Senior PPP leader Raza Rabbani has called this proposal a big threat to the autonomy of the provinces. He said that this amendment will weaken the rights obtained from the 18th Amendment.
status of support in parliament
The government has a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, as 233 out of 336 members are supporting it, but the situation is difficult in the Senate, as the government has only 61 members out of 96, so it will need the votes of at least three opposition members. There is a possibility that Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (Fazal) may support this amendment.
PTI’s open opposition to the amendment
PTI leader Hamid Khan has said that his party considers this amendment dangerous for the Constitution and they will try to stop it completely.
Asim Munir’s influence increased after becoming Field Marshal
Since Asim Munir was made Field Marshal after India’s Operation “Sindoor”, his international activism has increased. He has been representing Pakistan on several foreign tours, and his role in trade talks with the US has also been praised by US President Donald Trump.