ISLAMABAD: A national debate is underway on the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, with government officials and defense analysts arguing that updates to Article 243 are essential to meet the demands of modern warfare .
Proponents of the amendment state that the nature of threats to national security has drastically evolved. “The structure and nature of war has completely changed. It is no longer limited to the traditional battlefield,” a senior official noted. New fronts have opened in cyberspace and the information domain, requiring a highly coordinated response .
Advocates argue that the current framework, primarily designed for conventional warfare, needs refinement to ensure seamless synergy between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. In an era where wars are fought simultaneously across multiple domains—air, sea, land, cyber, and information—a unified command structure and timely decision-making are indispensable for national defense .
The government has clarified that any change to the constitution is the sole prerogative of the elected Parliament, acting in the national interest. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed the amendment will be tabled and follow a transparent parliamentary procedure, including review by a bipartisan committee .
Officials stress that the amendment aims to create a coordinated command structure to address multifaceted threats, allowing Pakistan to effectively counter the diverse challenges it faces on both its eastern and western fronts.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment is Coming Soon
Meanwhile Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the government will present the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate first, following all constitutional procedures and consulting with coalition partners.
Speaking in the Senate, Dar emphasized the government’s commitment to a transparent legislative process. “The amendment will come to the relevant standing committees through a normal route – it won’t be here by a shortcut,” he stated, promising a full parliamentary debate.
The government is currently addressing reservations from key allies, including MQM and ANP, while also preparing to seek input from law courts and other stakeholders before finalizing the draft.
Responding to Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari’s recent statements, Dar acknowledged their political differences but noted that ongoing discussions have fostered “a common understanding” between them.
Reflecting on past challenges, Dar highlighted the government’s commitment to national security, recalling how counterterrorism operations were successfully funded even during the peak of terrorism between 2013-2014 despite financial constraints.
