Draft of 27th Constitutional Amendment Prepared: Article 184 to Be Abolished, Supreme Court’s Powers Curtailed, Proposal for New ‘Chief of Defence Forces’ Post

Islamabad: The government has prepared the draft of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, suggesting major structural changes in both the judiciary and the military establishment.

According to the draft, a **Federal Constitutional Court** will be established to interpret the Constitution and adjudicate all constitutional disputes. Consequently, the **Supreme Court’s constitutional powers will be withdrawn**, and **Article 184**, which grants the Supreme Court suo motu (self-initiation) authority, will be abolished. The Supreme Court will henceforth serve primarily as an appellate and general court.

### Key Proposals in the Amendment

**Judicial Reforms:**
The proposed Federal Constitutional Court will comprise a Chief Justice and equal representation from all four provinces. The **Prime Minister and the President** will play a decisive role in the appointment of judges to this new court.

**Military Restructuring:**
The post of **Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee** will be abolished and replaced with a new position titled **‘Chief of Defence Forces.’** The Army Chief will hold this role with **lifetime status**, alongside the creation of **Field Marshal** and other senior lifetime military ranks.

Legal experts have described the proposed amendment as a **significant shift in the balance of power** between the judiciary and the executive. Opposition parties have strongly criticized the draft, expressing **serious reservations** over the government’s plan.