Amendment proposes new post of Chief of Defence Forces, replacing office of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee

President Asif Ali Zardari. Photo: File

On the demand of the Pakistan Peoples Party, the draft of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment includes a provision granting the president lifetime immunity from prosecution and arrest, ensuring that no case can be filed against the president during or after their tenure.

Sources said the clause was added following a demand by the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) during deliberations in the joint parliamentary committee on Saturday.

A new clause has been added to Article 248 of the Constitution, which is being amended to grant the president lifetime legal immunity, expanding the protection that currently applies only during the term of office.

At present, Article 248 grants complete legal protection to the president and governors during their tenure, barring the initiation or continuation of criminal proceedings against them and preventing any court from issuing orders for their arrest or imprisonment while they hold office.

Under the proposed amendment, however, this protection will remain permanent in the case of the president, while governors will continue to enjoy immunity only for the duration of their term in office.

The amendment seeks to insert the phrase “Notwithstanding any judgment of any court,” before