Crisis Brews in Islamabad as 27th Amendment ‘Dethrones’ Supreme Court, Empowers Military

Pakistan’s 27th Amendment Sparks Uproar: Critics Warn of ‘Judiciary’s End, Military’s Rise’

Islamabad: Pakistan’s government has ignited a political and legal firestorm with the tabling of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which critics say could undermine the Supreme Court and tighten the military’s constitutional grip.

Introduced in the Senate on Saturday, the bill proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC)—a new top judicial body that would assume the Supreme Court’s powers to interpret the Constitution and decide inter-governmental disputes. Legal experts warn that this move would “dethrone” the apex court, leaving it to handle only routine civil and criminal appeals.

“This is virtually the end of the judiciary as we knew it,” said a senior lawyer, describing the amendment as a complete executive takeover of judicial powers.

Barrister @SalmanARaja described the details that have emerged about the 27th amendment so far as the gravest assault on Pakistan’s democratic, constitutional and judicial framework in its 78-year history. #ایکسٹینشن_نامنظور pic.twitter.com/JT8b7GwDEN

— PTI USA Official (@PTIOfficialUSA) November 4, 2025

The bill also amends Article 243, formally designating the Chief of the Army Staff as the Chief of Defence Forces, with lifetime Field Marshal rank — a change many view as cementing the military’s dominance in Pakistan’s power structure.

Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) has announced nationwide protests against what it calls an “extremely dark and dangerous” amendment. Leaders Mahmood Khan Achakzai and Allama Raja Nasir Abbas urged citizens to “rise in defence of the Constitution” as protests are planned for November 9.

The proposed amendment still requires two-thirds approval in Parliament, but it has already split the nation — between those calling it reform and those warning of a return to military supremacy under a weakened judiciary.