Critics say constitutional amendment, which will also limit supreme court’s independence, is ‘funeral for democracy’
Pakistan’s parliament has passed a controversial amendment to its constitution that will expand the powers of the army chief and grant him lifelong legal immunity while limiting the independence of the supreme court, in a move critics described as a “funeral for democracy”.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s powerful army chief who is widely seen as a de facto ruler of the country, was the main benefactor from the 27th constitutional amendment, which was passed by the parliamentary lower house on Wednesday.
The bill will be sent back to the senate, which already passed it on Monday, for minor tweaks before it is likely to be signed by the president, Asif Ali Zardari, formally enshrining it in the constitution.
Under the amendment, Munir – who was nominated to become a five-star general earlier this year – stands to have unprecedented powers. He will be elevated to the newly created post of chief of defence forces, overseeing not just the army but also the navy and air force, while also being granted lifelong immunity from criminal prosecution.
