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(Bloomberg) — Pakistan’s parliament is considering a constitutional amendment to grant immunity to Field Marshal Asim Munir, a move that is seen to expand his influence over the South Asian nation’s defense and civilian matters.
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One of the proposed changes would make Munir the Chief of Defense Forces, giving him authority over the air force and navy as well, state-owned Associated Press of Pakistan reported. Along with the President, he would receive lifetime immunity, said Sarmad Ali, a lawmaker with the ruling coalition. The legislation was approved by the upper house on Monday.
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The National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, is debating the bill for approval. The ruling coalition holds a two-thirds majority, though political parties — including former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf — oppose the move.
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The military has seen its influence expand in recent years, especially after a brief conflict with India in May that led to Munir’s promotion to become the nation’s second-ever Field Marshal from a four-star General. He has since spearheaded efforts to improve Pakistan’s relations with the US, and President Donald Trump recently called him his “favorite Field Marshal.”
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The army continues to wield influence over key civilian matters from foreign and security policy to the economy, with its chief widely regarded as Pakistan’s most powerful figure.
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“There’s a good chance that elements of this proposed amendment could further strengthen the power of the armed forces, which already arguably enjoy more power than during any other period of non-military rule,” said Michael Kugelman, a non-resident senior fellow at Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada.
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Among other changes, the legislation allows Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to appoint or remove the judges of the top court, a move widely seen as undermining judicial independence. The government also plans to establish a Federal Constitutional Court, which analysts say would reduce the powers of the Supreme Court.
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The South Asian nation’s constitutional history has seen numerous amendments, each shifting the balance of power. The changes are part of long-standing efforts for balanced civil-military relations, said Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar this week.
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—With assistance from Karthikeyan Sundaram.
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English (US)