Pakistan's fragile democracy appears to be entering a new and uncertain phase as the balance between civilian authority and military influence tilts further toward the latter. In recent months, the country's powerful army chief, General Asim Munir, has consolidated significant control over both politics and the economy, while a proposed constitutional amendment has raised concerns among political observers, legal experts, and international partners about the future of democratic governance in the country.

The proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment has become a focal point of controversy. Reports suggest that the amendment would establish special constitutional courts, restore executive magistrate powers, and permit the transfer of judges-changes that critics argue could weaken judicial independence. It also seeks to alter fiscal and administrative arrangements between the federal and provincial governments by centralizing control over key subjects such as education and population welfare. One of the most debated elements concerns Article 243 of the Constitution, which defines the command of the armed forces. Observers note that the amendment could introduce a new position of“Commander-in-Chief” above the Chief of Army Staff, formalizing a superior command structure and further expanding military authority.

Supporters of the proposal claim that it would strengthen governance and enhance national stability, while opponents contend that it marks a fundamental shift away from parliamentary democracy and the federal structure established in the 1973 Constitution. Despite resistance from parts of the opposition, legal community, and civil society, the amendment is expected to advance through both houses of parliament, reflecting the military's deep institutional leverage and the weakened state of political opposition.

The backdrop to this development is Pakistan's disputed 2024 National Assembly elections, which were criticized by domestic and international observers for irregularities and lack of transparency. The Commonwealth Observer Group's final report highlighted serious concerns about the integrity of the vote-counting process, particularly regarding discrepancies between Form 45 and Form 47-the latter used to finalize results. Numerous candidates alleged that outcomes were altered after delays in the announcement of results, with several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed candidates reportedly affected. These claims fueled nationwide protests and intensified public mistrust in electoral institutions.

Prominent political figures across the spectrum have voiced alarm over the erosion of democratic norms. A newly formed alliance of pro-democracy leaders, including former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser and former Senator Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, has vowed to resist the constitutional changes both inside and outside parliament. They argue that the proposed amendment undermines the principle of separation of powers and threatens to dismantle the institutional safeguards of democracy. Even within the ruling coalition, reports suggest unease among certain members of the cabinet over the scope of the proposed reforms.

The suppression of opposition politics has further contributed to Pakistan's democratic decline. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, detained since 2023, remains at the center of the political crisis, with many of his party's leaders and supporters arrested or pressured into silence. Civil society organizations and rights groups have documented extensive restrictions on free expression, political assembly, and media independence. A sitting Supreme Court justice recently remarked that the term“hybrid system” has become an acknowledgment of“a form of dictatorship under constitutional cover.”

International attention has increasingly focused on Pakistan's political trajectory. In September 2025, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers introduced the Pakistan Freedom and Accountability Act (H.R. 5271), which proposes sanctions on individuals responsible for human rights abuses and anti-democratic actions. The bill emphasizes U.S. support for free and fair elections and highlights concerns about the shrinking civic space in Pakistan. Pakistani diaspora activists have welcomed the measure as a signal that the international community is aware of the country's governance crisis. Islamabad has yet to issue an official statement on the bill, though observers note that it has added pressure on the government to address growing concerns over democratic backsliding.

Analysts warn that the consolidation of power under military influence could have broader implications for Pakistan's political stability and regional role. With civilian institutions increasingly marginalized and judicial independence under strain, the country risks entering a period of entrenched authoritarianism reminiscent of earlier military regimes. Should the 27th Amendment be enacted, it would mark one of the most consequential shifts in Pakistan's constitutional and political history, redefining the relationship between the military, the judiciary, and elected representatives.

Pakistan's democracy thus stands at a critical juncture. The erosion of civilian authority, combined with economic and social uncertainty, poses challenges not only for governance but also for the country's long-term stability and its relations with the international community. The coming weeks may determine whether Pakistan can preserve its democratic institutions or whether it will enter a new era of overt military dominance.

Disclaimer: This article represents the independent views and analysis of the author. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Khaama Press, its editorial team, or its affiliates.

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