"But many analysts believe that its most consequential feature is a sweeping overhaul of Article 243, the constitutional clause defining the relationship between Pakistan's civilian government and the military. The changes grant lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution to the country's top military leaders, significantly reshape the military's command structure, and further tilt the balance of the tri-services the army, navy and air force heavily in the army's favour."
"The revised Article 243 establishes a new post, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), to be held concurrently by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This effectively gives the army chief command authority over the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and Pakistan Navy (PN). The incumbent COAS is Field Marshal Asim Munir, who assumed command in November 2022 and was elevated to a five-star rank on May 20 this year, just 10 days after Pakistan ended its four-day conflict with India."
Pakistan ratified the 27th Constitutional Amendment, enacting major judicial and military changes after parliamentary approval amid protests and criticism from civil society and some judges. The amendment amends Article 243, granting lifetime immunity to top military leaders and reshaping the command structure to favor the army. The revision creates a Chief of Defence Forces post to be held concurrently by the Chief of Army Staff, effectively placing the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy under army authority. Analysts warn the reform risks clashing with entrenched institutional cultures and could destabilize the country’s fragile civilian–military balance.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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