Protests Erupt Across Pakistan Over Asim Munir’s Expanding Powers: “Down with Dictatorship”

Islamabad: Widespread protests have broken out across Pakistan as opposition parties rally against the Shehbaz Sharif government’s proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which seeks to significantly expand the authority of Army Chief General Asim Munir. Demonstrations erupted nationwide on Sunday, with political leaders warning that the bill could “shake the foundations of the Constitution” and further tilt the balance of power toward the military establishment.

The proposed amendment aims to reshape Pakistan’s power structure by formally recognizing the Army Chief as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)—a newly created position combining oversight of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Currently held by Field Marshal Asim Munir, the post would come with lifetime privileges and permanent immunity from prosecution.

“Asim Munir is building a legal fortress around himself out of fear for his past actions. He knows accountability might catch up with him, so he is ensuring lifetime protection,” a senior leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) claimed during a protest rally.

The 27th Amendment also proposes the establishment of a powerful Federal Constitutional Court (FCC)—a new judicial body that would assume many of the Supreme Court’s constitutional functions. The FCC would oversee interpretation of the Constitution and disputes between federal and provincial authorities. The draft bill also grants lifetime immunity to the President and revises the appointment process for High Court judges.

Critics argue that the amendment undermines judicial independence and civilian oversight. Political analyst Habib Akram compared the move to General Zia-ul-Haq’s notorious 8th Amendment, warning that it could “backfire on its architects” and further destabilize Pakistan’s fragile Economy.

Opposition leader Abuzar Salman Niazi went a step further, saying, “The Constitution and judiciary of Pakistan are being punished for their independence. Under these amendments, justice will be administered in the style of a hybrid regime.”

Despite fierce resistance, the Senate began formal debates on the amendment over the weekend. Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar introduced the bill on Saturday, and it has since been referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed review. The government expects to secure the required two-thirds majority (at least 64 senators) when the bill is tabled for voting, possibly as early as Monday.

If enacted, the 27th Amendment would represent one of the most sweeping constitutional transformations in Pakistan’s recent history. Experts warn that it could effectively strip the Supreme Court of its supervisory powers, reducing its jurisdiction to civil and criminal appeals, while transferring constitutional interpretation to the FCC.

Nationwide Opposition and Street Protests

The opposition alliance, Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), has launched an extensive protest campaign against the proposed amendment. The alliance includes key parties such as the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-M), Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC), and Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM).

“Democratic institutions in Pakistan have been paralyzed,” declared MWM chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas. “The entire nation must stand united against the 27th Amendment.”

PkMAP Chairman Mahmood Khan Achakzai confirmed the start of nationwide demonstrations, saying, “Our slogans will be: ‘long live democracy’ and ‘Down with dictatorship.’ The release of political prisoners is our third demand.” He warned that the government’s actions were “shaking the very foundations of the Constitution” and vowed to continue the protests indefinitely.

Legal Community Raises Alarms

Legal experts have expressed grave concern over the proposed changes, warning that the judiciary could be rendered powerless. Some analysts described the amendment as “the end of judicial independence in Pakistan.”

“With limited jurisdiction over ordinary civil and criminal appeals, the Supreme Court will be reduced to a glorified district court,” cautioned a senior lawyer. “Even electoral disputes and constitutional appeals could bypass it entirely and go directly to the FCC.”

What Lies Ahead

Once passed by the Senate, the amendment will still require a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly before being presented to the President for approval. As the government pushes forward and opposition groups intensify their protests, political tensions are expected to escalate sharply in the coming days.

Pakistan now stands at a critical crossroads, with its democratic institutions facing one of the most consequential challenges in decades. The outcome of this constitutional battle could redefine the country’s power dynamics for generations to come.

Key Highlights:

• 27th Constitutional Amendment seeks to expand powers of Army Chief Asim Munir.
• Protests led by TTAP alliance erupt nationwide.
• New Federal Constitutional Court may limit Supreme Court authority.
• Lifetime immunity proposed for President and Army Chief.
• Opposition warns of a “constitutional crisis” and erosion of democracy.