Pakistan’s parliament has passed legislation expanding the powers of the army chief while limiting the authority of the Supreme Court

Pakistan’s parliament on Wednesday approved a constitutional amendment expanding the powers of the army chief and restricting the authority of the Supreme Court — a move critics warn undermines democracy.

The lower house passed the bill with more than a two-thirds majority, with only four lawmakers opposing it. The upper house had cleared the measure two days earlier after the opposition boycotted the debate, marking an unusually rapid approval process for a constitutional amendment that typically takes weeks or months.

The amendment will become law once signed by the president, a largely procedural step.

Under the new provisions, Army Chief Asim Munir will assume the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces, giving him command over the navy and air force in addition to the army. Upon completing his term, he will retain his rank and enjoy lifelong legal immunity.

The legislation also removes the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over constitutional matters, transferring such cases to a newly established Federal Constitutional Court, whose judges will be appointed by the government. In recent years, the Supreme Court has struck down government initiatives and unseated prime ministers.

Critics argue the changes consolidate authority in the hands of the military and the ruling coalition. The opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), led by jailed former prime minister Imran Khan, said it was not consulted on the legislation.

While Pakistan’s military has long exerted significant influence over national politics, observers say the new reforms provide it with a constitutional foundation that will be far harder to undo.