Pakistan's 27th Amendment
A visual analysis of the 2025 constitutional changes and the nation's new power structure.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2025, introduces the most significant changes to Pakistan's governance since 1973. It fundamentally alters the state by establishing two powerful new entities, effectively creating a new legal and military order.
1. The New Judicial Pillar
It creates the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), a new superior body placed *above* the Supreme Court to handle all constitutional matters. This new court will interpret the Constitution, resolve federal-provincial disputes, and determine the validity of laws.
2. The New Military Command
It establishes the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a new five-star rank superior to all service chiefs. The CDF acts as the Principal Military Advisor, consolidating military authority into a single, supreme office with a 5-year term.
The New Judicial Hierarchy
The amendment drastically curtails the Supreme Court's authority, stripping it of its constitutional and *suo motu* powers. This diagram illustrates the shift in the judicial power structure.
BEFORE AMENDMENT
(Incl. Constitutional & Suo Motu)
AFTER AMENDMENT
(All Constitutional Matters)
(Only Civil/Criminal Appeals)
Key Takeaway: The Supreme Court is demoted. It loses its power to interpret the constitution and its ability to check executive power via *suo motu* (Article 184(3)). The new FCC, with judges appointed by the President on the PM's advice, now controls all constitutional interpretation.
The New Military Command Structure
Simultaneously, the amendment constitutionalizes a new supreme military position, concentrating command under the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and placing this role at the heart of state power.
NEW COMMAND HIERARCHY
(Civilian Authority)
(5-Star Rank)
(4-Star)
(4-Star)
(4-Star)
Key Takeaway: The Army Chief, Asim Munir, becomes the first 5-star CDF, making him superior to all other service chiefs. This new, consolidated role includes a 5-year term and grants lifelong legal immunity for official acts, cementing military authority over the civilian government.
Winners & Losers: The Power Shift
These profound changes create a clear divide, concentrating power within the military and executive while stripping it from democratic and judicial institutions.
Key Takeaway: The military gains the most, with constitutionally-backed supremacy. The executive gains control over new judicial appointments. The bureaucracy wins a key concession (dual nationality). The Supreme Court and Parliament are the biggest losers, losing their oversight and constitutional powers. This consolidation of power directly impacts opposition figures like Imran Khan, as the new system is designed to sideline dissent and is unlikely to offer any judicial relief.
Key Provisions at a Glance
Beyond the new structures, the amendment introduces several specific, high-impact provisions that redefine the roles of state actors.
CDF Rank
5-Star
Superior to all Service Chiefs
CDF Term Length
5
Years or age 65
5-Star Officer Immunity
LIFELONG
For all official acts
SC Suo Motu (Art. 184(3))
REMOVED
Key check on power is gone
Bureaucrat Dual Nationality
ALLOWED
Amends Article 63
FCC Appointments
EXEC-CONTROL
PM's advice to President
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