ISLAMABAD: A day after the contentious 27th Constitutional Amendment sailed through Parliament and became law upon presidential assent, the federal cabinet on Thursday approved key legislative changes to align critical laws with the controversial amendment, deepening outrage among opposition parties over the sweeping legal overhaul.
Opposition parties, particularly the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and several key Supreme Court justices who resigned in protest against the legislation – now law following presidential assent – argue that these amendments represent a calculated attempt to undermine the 1973 Constitution, a foundational document long considered the bedrock of the country’s democratic framework.
The pivotal special cabinet session began with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif personally thanking ministers for their unwavering support in pushing through the 27th Amendment, which has already raised concerns about its potential to concentrate unprecedented power in the hands of the executive.
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In a predictable display of political harmony, cabinet members congratulated the prime minister on the “success” of the amendment – a celebration that seems at odds with the growing unease about its long-term implications.
At the heart of the cabinet meeting was the approval of the contentious changes to the 27th Amendment, following its passage in Parliament, to align with the newly amended constitution – a move many argue is less about legal necessity and more about sustaining momentum for an overhaul that benefits the ruling elite and the powerful military establishment.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed that, following the amendment’s passage, the government has paved the way for changes to key laws, effectively ensuring that the entire legal framework is reshaped to align with the newly amended constitution.
This legal overhaul is framed as part of the government’s “broad plan” to avoid procedural delays in implementing the amendment. But with opposition parties questioning the substance of the reforms, the rush to enact these changes raises serious red flags about the transparency and true motivations behind the legislation.
The military’s role is front and centre in the legal tweaks. Amendments to the Pakistan Army Act, Pakistan Air Force Act, and Pakistan Navy Act were all cleared by the cabinet to ensure that the armed forces’ laws fall in line with the new constitutional provisions.
The military’s influence over civilian governance has long been a concern in the country, and these changes are likely to deepen fears that the armed forces are becoming ever more entrenched in the political process.
Adding fuel to the fire, the cabinet also approved a proposal to create the Federal Constitutional Court – a judicial body envisioned by the 27th Amendment.
The move is presented as a necessary step to cement constitutional reforms, but with the increasing concentration of power in the executive, opposition parties warn it will only further undermine the independence of the judiciary.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025