Pakistan has been in a crisis for a long and that has kept compounding over the years. The fragile democracy has not been able to take root, as the Pakistan army has ruled the beleaguered state either directly or by proxy. The leaders have played to the tune of army generals or paid the price for being non-compliant. Now Pakistan’s democracy stands at another turning point once again. Field Marshal Asim Munir’s bid to usurp more power through the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment makes his intentions clear — centralised, military-led governance.
The 27th Amendment seeks to undo the spirit of the 18th Amendment of 2010, which devolved fiscal and administrative powers to the provinces—a move that strengthened federalism and civilian control by giving fiscal powers to the states.
However, this never went well with the army. For years, generals have complained that the provinces hold too much of the country’s resources. Now, Munir appears set to reclaim that power for the centre—and thereby for the army. The proposed amendment reportedly redefines the National Finance Commission Award, expands presidential authority, and introduces measures to “discipline” the judiciary. Together, these changes would give the military unprecedented influence over Pakistan’s political and economic structure.
A new Constitutional Court, along with greater control over judicial appointments and transfers, would ensure that dissent from the bench is neutralised. This is not a return to martial law but an evolution of Pakistan’s “hybrid” system, where civilian governments serve under military direction. Munir, whose command is expected to extend until 2027 and possibly beyond, without the declaration of emergency.
Pakistan is grappling with economic freefall, rising terrorism on its western border with Afghanistan, and growing public disillusionment with the political class. Instead of empowering institutions to manage these crises, the state is tightening its grip. Each military attempt to impose order has left the country weaker, its political class more dependent, and its people more cynical.
Munir’s bid to expand the army’s political and economic footprint, from industry and infrastructure to constitutional authority, may offer the illusion of stability. But as the country’s past shows that its repeated experiments with military regimes have only weakened the democracy and undermined growth and development.
As the 27th Amendment advances, Pakistan faces a stark choice: between reclaiming a participatory democracy or accepting permanent tutelage under its most powerful institution. The real danger today is the slow, constitutional erosion of freedom. Pakistan is sinking under its own weight.