Pakistan’s constitutional bench to hear petition on army chief's tenure extension on Nov 20

Pakistan’s newly formed constitutional bench is set to hear a petition challenging the extension of the tenures of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and other services chiefs to five years on Nov. 20.

The seven-member bench that would hear the case is led by Justice Aminuddin Khan, and includes justices Ayesha Malik, Muhammad Ali Mazhar, Hassan Azhar Rizvi, Jamal Mandokhail, Naeem Akhtar Afghan, and Musarrat Hilali.

Petitioner Mehmood Akhtar Naqvi has raised legal concerns about the extension of the army chief’s tenure.

The case is part of a packed schedule for the bench, which will address high-profile matters, including the legality of audio leaks and legislative amendments.

Earlier this month, the parliament passed key amendments extending the army chief’s term from three to five years.

The revisions to Clause 8C of the Pakistan Army Act remove constraints on age and service duration, allowing the Prime Minister to grant reappointments or extensions.

If reappointed, General Munir, whose term ends in November 2027, could serve until 2032 if the Prime Minister wishes.

The government claims the reforms provide continuity in military leadership. However, critics argue they may centralize power within the military.

Busy week ahead

The Supreme Court's Constitutional Bench is gearing up for a busy week, with significant cases lined up from November 18 to 22.

Among the most anticipated hearings is a challenge to the legitimacy of the Audio Leaks Commission, scheduled for Nov. 21. This case, brought forward by PTI founder Imran Khan and other petitioners, questions the legal basis for the commission’s formation.

The week will kick off with over 1,800 tax-related petitions on Nov. 18. The bench will also address the issue of delayed payments to journalists.

In addition, the court will consider several suo motu matters, including allegations of corruption in the Sindh Coal Project, concerns about mineral water exploitation, and the troubling rise of drug distribution in educational institutions.

The bench will also take up legislative disputes, such as the MQM's petition against the results of the 6th national census and the PTI’s challenge to the Sindh Local Government Act.

Justice Ayesha Malik will not be part of the bench on Nov. 21, leaving six judges to handle that day’s proceedings.

The hearings are expected to set important legal precedents amid growing scrutiny of Pakistan’s legislative and institutional reforms.