Pakistan Proposes Major Constitutional Change to Strengthen Army Leadership Amid India Tensions

Pakistan Moves to Strengthen Military Command Structure

Pakistan has introduced a significant constitutional amendment aimed at strengthening the military command system, citing key lessons from recent tensions with India. The proposal seeks to give more formal power to the country’s top defense officials and reshape the military’s leadership structure.

On Saturday, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate. The bill focuses on revising Article 243 to officially recognize the ranks and appointment procedures of the Army, Navy, and Air Force chiefs.

Why Pakistan Says the Change Is Needed

According to Tarar, the nature of warfare has changed, and the country must align its constitution with modern defense needs. He emphasized that recent India–Pakistan confrontations highlighted gaps in Pakistan’s command structure.

“Recent Pakistan-India tensions have taught us many lessons. Modern war strategy has changed,” Tarar said.

The amendment also proposes recognizing the Field Marshal rank in the constitution and potentially creating a new role — Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) — to oversee the army, navy, and air force.

India–Pakistan Context: Recent Military Escalations

The move comes months after rising tensions, triggered by India’s Operation Sindoor in May, which targeted militant camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The strikes killed over 100 militants linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Pakistan launched a counter-operation, and within days, both countries agreed to a ceasefire following diplomatic talks.

Soon after, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir was promoted to Field Marshal, making him the country’s top military adviser to national leadership.

How the Amendment Could Increase Military Power

Analysts say the changes could give General Asim Munir stronger control over Pakistan’s defense system.
Key proposed features include:

Criticism and Legal Concerns

Legal experts in Pakistan are questioning the need for a constitutional amendment, arguing that such reforms could be made through regular legislation.
They warn that altering Article 243 may expand military power at the expense of the civilian government.

There is also confusion surrounding previous changes under the 26th Amendment, which extended the army chief’s term. Analysts say the new amendment may aim to secure Munir’s authority and remove legal uncertainty around his role.

What This Means for Pakistan’s Future

The proposal has sparked a major national debate about the balance of power between Pakistan’s military and civilian leadership.
Supporters see it as a step toward modern military governance, while critics fear it could strengthen military dominance in politics.

As the bill moves forward, Pakistan’s political system faces a critical test over constitutional authority, defense policy, and democratic control.