In an extraordinary political maneuver, Pakistan's parliament passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment in just five days, creating what analysts describe as a character study of three powerful individuals. The amendment, comprising 59 dense legal clauses, has far-reaching implications for the country's power structure.
The Triangle of Power
The amendment centers around Field Marshal General Asim Munir, jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan, and his spiritual guide-turned-wife Bushra Bibi. Passed without broad public consultation, the legislation provides lifetime immunity to General Munir while Khan remains imprisoned, creating a dramatic shift in Pakistan's political landscape.
General Munir's rise through military ranks was methodical and strategic. He served as quartermaster general and Corps Commander in Gujranwala before taking leadership positions in both Military Intelligence and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His intelligence career took an unexpected turn in 2019 when he was removed as ISI chief after just eight months under then-Prime Minister Imran Khan's administration. The reasons for his removal were never publicly disclosed.
Imran Khan: From Cricket Hero to Prisoner
Imran Khan, the former cricket superstar turned politician, currently sits in jail while the constitutional amendment reshapes the country he once led. His political journey took a dramatic turn in the mid-2010s when he faced both personal and political challenges that threatened to end his career.
Bushra Bibi: The Spiritual Influence
According to profiles in international publications including The Economist, Khan's fortunes changed when he met Bushra Manika, a middle-aged woman from Punjab known for her Sufi-inspired spiritual guidance. Their relationship began with late-night telephone conversations before evolving into visits to her family residence in Pakpattan.
Bushra Bibi's then-husband, Khawar Manika, initially appreciated the glamour of having a celebrity visitor but grew increasingly concerned as the intimacy between his wife and Khan deepened. He recalled asking why he couldn't join their conversations and described walking into rooms only to find discussions abruptly ending.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment represents more than legal text—it encapsulates the complex relationships between military power, political ambition, and spiritual influence that continue to define Pakistan's governance. The rapid passage of this legislation without extensive debate highlights the urgency with which the current establishment is consolidating power and rewriting the rules of political engagement.
