Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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ASIM MUNIR’S POWER SURGE

Pakistan’s Senate, the upper house of parliament, on Monday gave a nod to the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment to create a new post of Chief of Defence Forces and set up a constitutional court.

The bill, which had stirred controversy for weeks, was presented in the Senate by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, while Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani presided over the proceedings.

The government and its coalition partners secured a two-thirds majority of 64 in the vote after it received the support of two opposition members.

Under the amendment bill, the President will appoint the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Force on the advice of the Prime Minister. It also proposes that the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will expire on November 27, 2025.

The Chief of Army Staff, who will also be the Chief of Defence Forces, will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister, and the head of the National Strategic Command will be from the Pakistan Army.

The government will be able to promote individuals from the armed forces to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet. The rank and privileges of Field Marshal will be for life, meaning that Field Marshals will remain Field Marshals for life.

This would also mean an unprecedented concentration of power in the hands of Asim Munir.

It will also provide sweeping privileges to him, including lifetime immunity from prosecution. This immunity will also extend to other officers promoted to five-star ranks, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet, as well as the President, shielding them from prosecution or arrest.

After the 27th Amendment, the Field Marshal would receive lifetime privileges, and no case can ever be filed against him for his entire life.

BEYOND THE SHADOWS OF ZIA

Political analysts say the proposed amendment could institutionalise military dominance in Pakistan to a level beyond even General Zia-ul-Haq’s 8th Amendment.

While the 1985 8th Amendment legitimised martial law and gave the President power to dissolve elected governments through Article 58(2)(b), it did not formally alter military command or judicial independence.

The current change, however, is seen as a broader restructuring of the constitutional order, extending military influence into the judiciary and federal governance, raising concerns about weakening civilian authority.

KEY JUDICIARY TAKEAWAYS

The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), which would take over cases involving constitutional interpretation, inter-governmental disputes, and issues under Article 199. This also means that the FCC would become the primary forum for constitutional matters, previously handled by the Supreme Court.

SUPREME COURT’S REDUCED ROLE

The Supreme Court would be limited to hearing civil, criminal, and statutory appeals. A senior counsel told Dawn that this change would make the Supreme Court “a Supreme District Court” in practical terms.

INTRODUCING NEW CHAPTER 1A; CHANGES TO ARTICLE 175

The insertion of a new Chapter 1A in the Constitution tightens executive control over the superior judiciary through expanded powers to transfer high court judges, and establishes an FCC “empowered by disempowering the Supreme Court,” former additional attorney general Tariq Mehmood Khokhar told Dawn. Legal experts, however, warn that the amendment to Article 175 represents “the end of the judiciary as we knew it.”

CHANGES TO ARTICLE 243: MILITARY LEADERSHIP

This also includes a revision to Article 243, formally vesting the office of Chief of the Defence Forces in the Chief of Army Staff, and granting the Field Marshal rank for life -- a move that constitutionally recognises the army chief’s senior status.

CONCERNS OVER EXECUTIVE DOMINANCE

Critics, however, fear the changes could undermine judicial independence by placing the FCC, and thus constitutional interpretation, under greater influence of the executive branch.

Lawyers warned that the government could route appeals in key laws, like the Elections Act 2017, to the FCC instead of the Supreme Court.

TTP ANNOUNCES PROTEST

The Tehreek-e-Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP), a multi-party opposition alliance, announced a nationwide protest against the proposed 27th Amendment.

“Democratic institutions have been paralysed… the nation must step up against the amendment,” said Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) chief Allama Raja Nasir Abbas.

TTAP includes MWM, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pashtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP), Balochistan National PartyMengal (BNP-M), and Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC).

A key point of contention is the lifetime legal immunity clause for sitting and former prime ministers, which could allow leaders like Imran Khan to avoid criminal prosecution indefinitely. Legal experts warn the move could undermine the rule of law and accountability.

WHY THE CLAUSE WAS WITHDRAWN

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the removal of the lifetime immunity clause for prime ministers, following warnings from legal experts that it could let jailed former PM Imran Khan avoid legal consequences.

The government said current and former prime ministers will remain fully accountable under the law, reinforcing that political leaders are not above legal scrutiny.

However, some proposed protections for the President and senior military officials remain under debate, keeping the amendment controversial.

This happens at a time when Munir has been consolidating power for some time and has undertaken foreign trips—including to Washington DC— where he has met world leaders, further cementing his position as Pakistan’s (de facto) leader.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Robin Roy, The writer is Senior Journalist and former Managing Editor, First India

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026