Key Features of the Proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment Revealed: New Chief of Defence Forces Post Introduced

ISLAMABAD:The major points of Pakistan’s proposed **27th Constitutional Amendment** have come to light, revealing sweeping changes in the country’s military and judicial structure.
According to the draft, a **new position titled “Chief of Defence Forces” (CDF)** will be introduced. The **Army Chief** will simultaneously serve as the **Chief of Defence Forces**, while the post of **Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee** will be **abolished**.
Under the proposed amendment, the **President** will appoint the **Army, Naval, and Air Chiefs** on the **Prime Minister’s advice**, while the **Prime Minister**, on the recommendation of the **Chief of Defence Forces**, will appoint the **Commander of the National Strategic Command**.
The amendment also grants **lifetime privileges** to those holding the ranks of **Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force,** and **Admiral of the Fleet**, allowing them to **remain in uniform for life**. Their **titles, status, and privileges** will be permanent but may be **revoked through parliamentary impeachment**.
Furthermore, individuals holding these ranks will enjoy **judicial immunity similar to that of the President**. After completing their command tenure, the **federal government may assign them state-related responsibilities** in the national interest.
The draft amendment also proposes the establishment of a **Federal Constitutional Court** with **equal representation from all provinces**. The **President** will appoint the **Chief Justice and judges** of this court, which will have **the power to review its own judgments**.
Other key changes include:
* The **removal of Article 184(3)** (relating to suo motu powers).
* The **transfer of High Court judges’ postings** to the **Judicial Commission**. Judges refusing transfer will be deemed **retired**.
* The **Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court** will serve a **three-year term** and retire at the age of **68**.
* The **President** may appoint an **acting Chief Justice** of the Constitutional Court.
* The **Constitutional Court and Supreme Court** may transfer appeals or cases between High Courts.
* All courts, including the Supreme Court, will be **bound by the decisions of the Constitutional Court**.
Additionally, the **President** will appoint the **first Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court** from among Supreme Court judges, on the advice of the **Prime Minister**.
The proposed amendment also ensures that **no criminal proceedings** can ever be initiated against a **President** during or after their term, and **no court** will have the authority to **order the arrest or imprisonment** of a **President or Governor**.