The upper house approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment on Monday in about three hours, after opposition parties boycotted the debate and walked out in protest.

The bill still needs a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly before it can enter into force.

Senate Rushes Through 27th Amendment

Pakistan’s Senate passed the 27th Amendment on November 10 in just three hours after opposition lawmakers walked out in protest.

The bill, still requiring a two-thirds lower house vote, would create the post of Chief of Defence Forces, giving Field Marshal Asim Munir command over all military branches and abolishing the joint-chiefs position to consolidate control under one commander.

New Powers And Lifetime Immunity

Munir, promoted after the May clashes with India and hailed by U.S. President Trump as his “favourite Field Marshal,” would retain his rank for life and gain full legal immunity, along with President Asif Zardari.

Officials claim the reform will enhance national coordination and defense capability, while military sources argue unified command reflects modern warfare demands.

Supreme Court Stripped Of Key Powers

The reform removes constitutional cases from the Supreme Court, transferring them to a new Federal Constitutional Court whose judges are government-appointed.

Critics say this change undermines judicial independence and centralizes authority, reducing the Supreme Court’s remit to civil and criminal cases.

"you cannot force a constitution through bullets"

Imran Khan’s PTI condemned the amendment as a “power grab” and boycotted the debate.

PTI spokesman Zulfi Bukhari accused the ruling coalition of eroding checks and balances, while Senator Ali Zafar warned, “you cannot force a constitution through bullets.”

Observers say the reform could entrench military dominance without a formal coup.