A prominent business figure today voiced strong support for the proposed 27th Amendment, highlighting a significant military restructuring that would consolidate command under a new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) role, a position to be held by the Army Chief. Mian Zahid Hussain, President of the Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum, backed the constitutional changes which propose abolishing the CJCSC role and granting lifelong privileges to five-star military officers.
Hussain argued that such institutional reforms are essential for creating the stable legal and political environment required to foster investor confidence and drive economic growth. He stated that improved inter-services coordination under the new military structure would bolster national security, which he described as vital for attracting foreign direct investment and ensuring economic steadiness.
The amendment also proposes a major judicial overhaul with the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court (FCC). This new court would assume exclusive jurisdiction over matters of constitutional interpretation and fundamental rights, reshaping the Supreme Court”s primary function to an appellate one. The bill also includes changes to the appointment and transfer processes for High Court judges.
Speaking on behalf of the business community, which he noted contributes 80% to the national GDP, Hussain underscored the need for an independent and efficient judiciary to handle commercial litigation. He suggested that the establishment of the FCC could expedite the resolution of business disputes and help reduce the nation”s significant judicial backlogs.
While expressing optimism, Hussain acknowledged that constitutional amendments can introduce short-term market uncertainty. He pointed to data suggesting a strong correlation between political stability and foreign investment, urging the government to actively reassure investors about the country”s economic continuity during this transition.
In his concluding remarks, Hussain called for a meaningful dialogue between the government and key stakeholders, including business leaders, economists, and legal experts. He stressed that for the amendment to achieve its goal of a prosperous Pakistan, the final text must unequivocally safeguard democratic norms, the financial autonomy of provinces, and judicial independence to secure a positive trajectory for the national economy.