Pakistan’s proposed 27th Amendment draws criticism for bypassing public relief

Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment, currently under discussion, has sparked criticism for consolidating powers of the country’s top civil, military, and judicial leadership while offering little direct benefit to ordinary citizens.

Kamran Khan, during the latest episode of “On My Radar,” said that the amendment sets new terms for the social contract between Pakistan’s 250 million citizens and the federal government, yet “like the 26th amendment, the 27th offers almost nothing for the average Pakistani.”

The 25-page document, he noted, focuses on financial stability through changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award and strengthens central authority without transferring meaningful powers or resources to local governments.

Critics argue the amendment entrenches Pakistan’s hybrid system, giving sweeping authority to civil, military, and judicial leaders. Under the proposed changes, the Supreme Court would be virtually replaced by a Federal Constitutional Court as the country’s top judicial body.

The president would receive lifetime immunity from all cases, effectively shielding President Asif Ali Zardari from pending corruption investigations.

Other provisions include ending the position of chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, while Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs would command their respective services independently. Field Marshals would receive constitutional immunity similar to the president, requiring a two-thirds parliamentary majority for removal.

The amendment also raises retirement age limits for the constitutional court’s chief justice and judges by three years and transfers parliamentary disqualification cases from the Supreme Court to the new constitutional court. Additionally, the president could transfer high court judges without their consent.

Kamran Khan said while the amendment heavily favors Pakistan’s leadership, it does not address local governance, health, education, or welfare. Efforts by MQM to secure protections for local governments under Article 140A and mandatory NFC funding have reportedly been sidelined.

Observers note that last year’s 26th Amendment also failed to resolve devolution of powers, and the 27th appears to continue the trend. Critics argue ruling parties, including PML-N and PPP, have structured the amendments to ensure their own survival and stability rather than public relief.