Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif-led government is preparing to table the 27th Constitutional Amendment in Parliament, a move that could potentially expand the powers of the military and cement Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s growing influence. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed on Tuesday that the government intends to introduce the amendment soon, intensifying political debate over civil-military relations in the country.

“The 27th Amendment will arrive soon, and it will be brought in accordance with the Constitution,” Dar said while addressing the Senate. He dismissed opposition concerns of procedural violations, assuring lawmakers that the government would not bypass established parliamentary processes. The development follows growing speculation after Pakistan Peoples Party leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari revealed that his party had been approached by the government for support on the amendment.

According to reports from Pakistani media, the proposed amendment seeks to alter Article 243 of the Constitution, which outlines the powers and appointment process of the Chief of Army Staff and command of the armed forces. Other provisions under consideration include establishing constitutional courts, reforming the appointment mechanism for the chief election commissioner, and reinstating executive magistrates. Controversially, the amendment also suggests reducing the provinces’ share of federal resources and transferring control of key ministries—such as education and population welfare—back to the federal government, rolling back the provincial autonomy granted under the 18th Amendment.

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The proposal has triggered strong criticism from political and legal quarters. Former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar warned that the amendment could fundamentally alter Pakistan’s civilian-military balance, accusing the government of “handing over the country to the establishment.” Pakistan Peoples Party leader Raza Rabbani, the architect of the 18th Amendment, cautioned that the proposed changes would undo years of progress in devolution of power and erode provincial rights. “This move damages provincial autonomy and undoes the good work achieved through the 18th Amendment,” Rabbani said.

The government currently holds the required two-thirds majority in the 336-member National Assembly, with the backing of 233 members, but in the 96-member Senate, it will need support from at least three opposition lawmakers to pass the amendment. While minor parties such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) may back the government, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has vowed to resist the move. PTI leader Hamid Khan declared that his party would “oppose any attempt to destroy the Constitution.” The controversy comes amid Munir’s rising stature, now holding the rank of Field Marshal and playing a visible role in Pakistan’s foreign diplomacy and internal decision-making.

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