Field marshal, other five-star military officers to enjoy lifetime immunity

New provisions inserted into Article 243 through the 27th Constitutional Amendment will allow officers promoted to the ranks of field marshal, marshal of the air force, or admiral of the fleet to retain their uniforms for life.

Their removal from office will be subject only to the conditions and procedures outlined in Article 47 of the Constitution — the same process used for impeaching the president.

Under Article 47, an office holder can be removed solely on grounds of physical or mental incapacity or misconduct, and only after a two-thirds majority of parliament endorses an impeachment motion following a formal investigation.

The bill further stipulates that the protections granted to the president under Article 248 will also apply mutatis mutandis to these senior officers. This provision ensures that, as long as they hold their lifelong rank, they cannot be subjected to criminal prosecution, arrest, or imprisonment.

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

Additionally, Clause 45 of the amendment revises Article 248 itself, extending lifetime immunity from criminal proceedings to the president. Under the new clause, no court will have the authority to initiate or continue legal action against the president “for his life,” nor can any arrest or imprisonment order be issued. Governors, however, will continue to enjoy immunity only for the duration of their terms.

Significantly, the amendment introduces the phrase “notwithstanding any judgment of any court,” effectively overriding prior judicial rulings that confined presidential immunity to the period of office.