The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has proposed a significant clause in the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment that would grant the president lifetime immunity from arrest and legal prosecution. This protection would continue even after the president leaves office, representing a major expansion of current presidential privileges.
According to sources, this clause was introduced during discussions in the joint parliamentary committee that is reviewing the proposed amendment. Currently, Article 248 of Pakistan’s Constitution provides immunity to the president and provincial governors only during their time in office. The new proposal seeks to extend this protection for the president’s entire lifetime.
If this amendment is approved, any person who serves as president would be permanently protected from legal proceedings and arrest, regardless of any accusations or cases that might arise against them in the future. This would mark a substantial change in Pakistan’s legal and constitutional framework.
The proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment contains several other major changes beyond presidential immunity. One significant proposal is the creation of a new military position called “Chief of the Defence Forces,” which would replace the current Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. This new position would oversee all branches of Pakistan’s armed forces.
Additionally, the amendment proposes establishing a Federal Constitutional Court specifically designed to handle constitutional disputes and matters. This would be a separate judicial body focused solely on constitutional issues.
Together, these proposals represent one of the most comprehensive reform packages in Pakistan’s history, affecting both the constitutional structure and military command system. The amendments are currently under discussion and debate among political parties and parliamentary committees.
