Pakistan grants lifetime immunity to president, army chief

Pakistan’s Parliament has passed a constitutional amendment that grants lifetime immunity to both the president and the current army chief. 

The 27th Constitutional Amendment, approved by a two-thirds majority in both houses, consolidates military authority under a newly created position — the Chief of Defence Forces — and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court that will assume jurisdiction over constitutional cases previously handled by the Supreme Court, Caliber.Az reports, citing Al Alarabiya. 

Under the changes, Army Chief Asim Munir, recently promoted to Field Marshal following May clash with India, will command the army, air force, and navy. He and other senior officers elevated to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will now retain their rank, privileges, and uniform for life — and enjoy permanent immunity from criminal prosecution.

Previously, such protections were reserved only for the head of state.

The amendment also shields President Asif Ali Zardari from criminal prosecution, though that immunity will lapse if he or any former president assumes another public office. Zardari has faced multiple corruption cases in the past, though proceedings were previously stayed.

Opposition parties, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), denounced the legislation as a blow to democracy, with lawmakers tearing up copies of the bill during debates in both chambers.

The amendment further bars courts from questioning any constitutional change “on any ground whatsoever,” and transfers the Supreme Court’s original constitutional jurisdiction to the newly formed Federal Constitutional Court. Another provision empowers the president to transfer High Court judges on the recommendation of the Judicial Commission.

The Senate initially passed the bill on November 10, followed by the National Assembly two days later. It returned to the upper house for final approval on November 13.

The bill cleared the 336-member National Assembly with the required two-thirds majority and now awaits President Zardari’s signature to become law.

By Sabina Mammadli