The Senate on Monday approved the landmark 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, incorporating the Field Marshal rank into Pakistan’s Constitution for the first time — a move hailed by the government as a major structural reform in both the judicial and defense frameworks.
Bill Secures Two-Thirds Majority Amid Opposition Walkout
The session, chaired by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, saw 64 senators voting in favor of the amendment, comfortably meeting the two-thirds majority threshold. Notably, PTI’s Saifullah Abro and JUI-F’s Ahmed Khan broke ranks with the opposition to support the government.
Despite the milestone, the session was marred by loud protests from opposition lawmakers, who tore up copies of the bill and chanted slogans before staging a walkout. The Senate doors were sealed during the final round of voting to ensure smooth proceedings.
After the bill’s passage, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed that the five-star Field Marshal rank had now been officially added under Article 243 of the Constitution. “This inclusion elevates the constitutional recognition of our defense hierarchy,” Dar said, calling it a “historic step.”
Constitutional Court and Judicial Reforms Welcomed
Dar also highlighted that the amendment introduced major judicial reforms, including the establishment of Federal Constitutional Courts, which would operate separately from the Supreme Court and other high courts.
“The idea of a Constitutional Court was first envisioned in the Charter of Democracy,” Dar reminded the House, adding that the move will strengthen judicial efficiency and provide better access to justice without disrupting the seniority of existing Supreme Court judges.
He also acknowledged that renaming Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains a topic of discussion, hinting at further consultations with the Awami National Party (ANP), while also noting MQM’s proposed local government amendments are under review.
“This amendment enhances our constitutional framework — balancing defense recognition with judicial reform,” Dar concluded, praising lawmakers for their “commitment to democratic progress.”
