Former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, has stated that significant changes may take place in the leadership, authority, and legal status of the Pakistan Army following the amendment of Article 243 of the country’s constitution.
In a commentary, Khalilzad wrote that if the reports are accurate, the amendment grants privileges to General Asim Munir that no military leader has previously enjoyed.
According to him, under the amendment, Asim Munir would remain in uniform for life, could only be removed through impeachment, would be assigned official duties for life, and would enjoy legal immunity.
Khalilzad added that these are currently speculations and that the final decree may differ from these reported details.
It is worth noting that the amendment of Article 243 of Pakistan’s constitution implies essential changes in the military’s leadership, powers, and their legal status.