Like Pakistan’s 26th Amendment which was prepared and passed in haste without proper debate, the same situation exists currently with the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment. No formal draft of the amendment has yet been made public. Any legislation aimed at rolling back the 18th Amendment has historically drawn strong criticism not only from opposition parties but also from the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). According to analysts, the new 27th Amendment is an extension of the 26th Amendment. The political parties have different stances on the new amendment.

The most controversial issues related to the amendment are changes in Article 243 of the Constitution. Law Minister Naseem Tarar explained that Article 243 provides the federal government with command authority over the armed forces. Under the proposed changes, honorary titles such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet would be granted for life to national military heroes, subject to revocation only through Parliament, not the Prime Minister.

Additionally, the Office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) is set to be abolished on 27 November 2025. Instead, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) would assume the position of Chief of the Defence Forces. A new post titled Commander National Strategic Staff would also be introduced. Furthermore, the President would appoint the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force on the Prime Minister’s advice, while defining extensive entitlement for officers elevated to the five-star ranks of Field Marshall, Marshall of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet.

Political parties have proposed their own changes and offered perspectives regarding the proposed constitutional amendment. The Chairman of the Peoples Party (PPP), Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, said the PPP is willing to support changes related to Article 243,which defines the powers and command structure of the armed forces, and the proposed formation of constitutional courts. He also stated (https://www.dawn.com/news/1953700/27th-constitutional-amendment-ppp-green-lights-changes-to-article-243-after-cec-meeting-concludes that the party has suggested to the government that the President, rather than the executive, should initiate the transfer of high court judges. However, he admitted that the PPP remains internally divided on the issue of dual nationality. At the same time, he categorically maintained that the PPP would oppose any amendment to the NFC Award that results in a reduction of the provinces’ fiscal share. Similarly, the PPP rejected proposals concerning the reversal of education, which was devolved to the provinces under the 18th Amendment.

The Muttahida Qaumi Movement–Pakistan (MQM-P), while supporting certain aspects, has proposed that the amendment should also ensure stronger and more autonomous local governments. The MQM-P reiterated its demand for strengthened and empowered local governments, while JUI-F opposed any initiative that would reduce the powers devolved to provinces under the 18th Amendment.

The Awami National Party (ANP) President and Senator, Aimal Wali Khan, also expressed his views regarding the proposed amendment. During his speech in the Senate, he stated that the ANP supports the provisions concerning the strengthening of the local government system. He emphasized that the government must ensure a strong and empowered local government structure across the country. Additionally, he reiterated the ANP’s longstanding demand that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should be officially renamed ‘Pakhtunkhwa, expressing hope that all members of the House would support this position. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSDRQcR8Kbo)

However, opposition to the proposed 27th amendment came from the PTI. The chairman of the PTI, Barrister Gohar Ali Khan argued that the present government lacks the moral mandate to alter the Constitution and affirmed that the PTI will not support the proposed amendment. He termed the move as an “attack on the House” and pledged to oppose it. He has also announced that it will oppose the 27th Amendment “tooth and nail.” (https://www.dawn.com/news/1953523/no-rollback-of-18th-amendment-or-nfc-award-if-government-seeks-ppps-support-shazia-marri)

In response, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry assured the National Assembly that the government does not intend to roll back the 18th Amendment, especially concerning education. According to him, the government only seeks to introduce a uniform national curriculum. (https://www.dawn.com/news/1953523/no-rollback-of-18th-amendment-or-nfc-award-if-government-seeks-ppps-support-shazia-marri)

After receiving cabinet approval, the bill was presented to the Senate and referred to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice on Saturday.  A joint session of Parliament was summoned to debate the proposed reforms, which include: the formation of federal constitutional courts, changes in the appointment process of high court judges, and restructuring of the military leadership hierarchy. The Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told the media that the debate and discussion would continue on the amendment until members of both houses of the parliament reached a consensus.

Since any constitutional amendment requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament, gaining the support of all political parties is crucial. All stakeholders need to gather and build consensus among the political leadership over the proposed amendment. Unlike the 26th Amendment, which was passed in haste and without adequate debate, the government should this time ensure thorough consultation and take all stakeholders into confidence before proceeding with the constitutional amendment.

Pashtana Murad is a student of MPhil Political Science at the University of Punjab Lahore