27th Amendment: No case will be initiated against president for lifetime

The government on Saturday tabled the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill 2025 in the Senate.

Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the bill in the Upper House, after which Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani forwarded it to the Standing Committee on Law and Justice for detailed review and recommendations.

Explaining the proposed amendment to Article 243, the law minister said that, in view of Pakistan’s evolving strategic defence framework and national circumstances, it was necessary to define the role and status of the Chief of Defence Forces — a position to be held by the Chief of Army Staff. He added that the amendment also sought to grant constitutional recognition to honorary military titles such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet.

Tarar clarified that these titles would be awarded to honour national heroes and that any decision to confer or withdraw them would rest with Parliament, not the executive, to ensure that such honours reflect the collective will of the nation.

Also Read: Amendment proposed in Article 243 to designate army chief as Chief of Defence Forces

He further explained that the Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff would continue to be appointed on the advice of the Prime Minister, while the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee would be abolished effective November 27, 2025.

Under the proposed amendment, the Prime Minister, on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces, would appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command from among members of the Pakistan Army, and determine his remuneration and privileges.

The bill also proposes that officers promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet shall retain their rank, privileges, and uniform for life.

In a significant addition, the amendment seeks to modify Article 248, stipulating that no criminal proceedings shall be initiated or continued against the President for life, and extending immunity to a Governor during his term of office.