ISLAMABAD – The opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP) on Saturday strongly rejected the proposed changes to Article 243 under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, describing them as “person-specific” and detached from public concerns.
At a joint press conference in Islamabad, TTAP leaders—including alliance head Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Vice Chairman Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar, and MWM Chairman Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas—voiced their objections. Khokhar criticised the lifetime immunity proposed for the president, arguing that it violated the principle of separation of powers and ignored widespread socio-economic challenges, noting that “half of Pakistan is below the poverty line.”
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The 27th Amendment proposes restructuring the military command by replacing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with a Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), effectively elevating the army chief as the constitutionally recognised head of all armed services. The bill also expands powers and privileges for top military leadership.
Achakzai warned that those undermining the Constitution must be held accountable, while Abbas stated that the amendment concentrated excessive power in one office, raising concerns about Pakistan moving “towards fascism.” TTAP also announced plans for a National Consultative Conference in Islamabad next week to coordinate a nationwide protest campaign.
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Meanwhile, PTI’s Barrister Ali Zafar criticised debating the bill without a notified opposition leader, while the PML-N and PPP defended the amendment, saying it had undergone careful scrutiny before being tabled in the Senate. The controversy highlights growing political divisions over constitutional reforms and military oversight.