Parliament boosts powers for army chief

Pakistan's parliament approved a constitutional amendment on Wednesday to expand the powers of the army chief and curb the remit of its Supreme Court, a move that critics said had done irreparable harm to the country's democracy.

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Munir: Elevated to Chief of Defence Forces

The lower house of parliament approved the legislation with a more than two-thirds majority, with only four lawmakers voting against.

The upper house passed the bill two days earlier after the opposition boycotted the debate — an unusually swift passage for a constitutional change. Such amendments usually require weeks or months of consideration. The amendment will become law once signed by the president, a formality.

Army chief Asim Munir will now be elevated to the new post of Chief of Defence Forces, placing the navy and air force under his command in addition to the army.

After completion of his term, he will retain his rank and have legal immunity for life.