Field Marshal, Air Force Marshal & Admiral to Retain Lifetime Uniform: Proposed Amendment

ISLAMABAD: The proposed 27th constitutional amendment in Pakistan has introduced significant changes to the country’s military and judicial framework. According to the draft, a new post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) will be created, with the Army Chief automatically assuming the role of CDF. Officers holding the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet will retain their uniform status and privileges for life.

Under the proposed amendment, the appointments of the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief will be made by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. The position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished. Furthermore, the Prime Minister will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces.

The amendment states that officers promoted to Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will have lifelong ranks, privileges, and judicial immunity similar to that of the President. Parliament can revoke these ranks and privileges through impeachment, and the federal government may assign these officers state responsibilities after completion of their command tenure.

A Federal Constitutional Court will also be established under the amendment. Each province will have equal representation in the court, and the President will appoint the Chief Justice and other judges. The court will have powers to review its own decisions, and the President may refer legal matters to it for opinion. The amendment also gives the Judicial Commission authority over High Court judge transfers, and any judge refusing a transfer will be considered retired.

Read more: Bilawal Says PPP May Support 27th Constitutional Amendment

Provisions related to Article 184 and suo motu powers of the Supreme Court have been removed. Judges of the Federal Constitutional Court will serve until the age of 68, while the Chief Justice will retire after completing a three-year term. All courts, including the Supreme Court, will be bound by decisions of the Federal Constitutional Court, except the court itself.

Additionally, the amendment provides immunity from criminal prosecution for the President and Governors during their tenure, preventing any court from taking action against them, including arrest or imprisonment.

This proposed amendment represents a major restructuring of Pakistan’s military leadership and judicial system, aiming to centralize command authority and establish a dedicated constitutional court with wide-ranging powers.