New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) The government of Pakistan and Army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, have seemingly resolved their earlier disagreements regarding Munir's tenure. Initially, Munir aimed to extend his role until 2028, while the government insisted on a conclusion next year.

Despite Munir achieving the prestigious title of Field Marshal, this designation remains largely ceremonial under the Pakistani Constitution.

Simply holding the title of Field Marshal was not sufficient for Munir, as he would lose decision-making powers once his Army chief term expired.

With the upcoming 27th amendment set to be presented in Parliament, notable changes, particularly concerning the Field Marshal's position, are expected. This amendment plans to revise Article 243 of the Pakistan Constitution. If approved, it would create a constitutional role for the Field Marshal, allowing Munir a five-year term similar to that of the President and Prime Minister.

Additionally, Munir would gain authority to appoint the heads of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as the Director General of the ISI.

Feeling insecure about his position due to various political decisions, Munir uses this amendment to secure constitutional protection for the Field Marshal role, safeguarding him from legal and political challenges.

Further amendments will alter the Army Act of 1952, eliminating the office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and establishing a Vice Chief of Army Staff position under the Field Marshal. The service chiefs' terms would also be standardized to five years.

Indian officials suggest that this amendment seems specifically designed for Asim Munir. While presenting Pakistan as a democracy internationally, he is transforming his own nation into a security state. Munir's influence over the service chiefs allows him to appoint allies, effectively controlling the military and ISI, which translates to control over the entire country.

Moreover, Munir's constitutional safeguards shield him from any legal or political repercussions. Experts have dubbed this the Munir amendment, indicating that its passage would lead to a hybrid regime in Pakistan.

The elected government would be reduced to a mere puppet under the Field Marshal's authority. Furthermore, the Army manages resource extraction and infrastructure investments, claiming their importance due to collaboration with US and Chinese firms. This strategy follows Pakistan's recent multi-billion dollar agreement with the US for direct mineral extraction.

The Shehbaz Sharif government, which owes its position to the Pakistan Army, believes it has sufficient support to pass the amendment. However, the opposition is likely to raise objections, as passage would place the government under the Field Marshal's control, rendering citizens' votes largely ceremonial until Munir's term ends.

This amendment, however, precludes the possibility of a military coup, as Munir has cleverly ensured his comprehensive control over the nation. While the government retains certain decision-making powers, it must consult the Field Marshal, given the extensive authority granted by the amendment. With immunity and the ability to appoint service chiefs, Munir can avoid concerns about coups, as the Army already wields significant governance influence.

In the event of a coup led by a general, Pakistan would face severe repercussions from the international community, potentially jeopardizing agreements and inviting sanctions. Munir has tactfully circumvented this scenario by ensuring a nominally elected government governs.

The proposed constitutional amendment will first be presented to the Senate on November 7 before proceeding to the National Assembly for a final vote. Considering the numbers and the Army's significant influence, the bill appears poised for passage in the National Assembly.