
The Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, officially called the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 2017, grants legal cover to military courts. The amendment was assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain in March 2017, marking a significant change in the history of the country's judicial process. This amendment is one of many that have been made to the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973, with others including the Twenty-eighth Amendment (2017) and the Thirtieth Amendment (2017).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 2017 |
| Function | Grants legal cover to military courts |
| Assented By | President Mamnoon Hussain |
| Date | March 2017 |
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What You'll Learn
- The Twenty-third Amendment grants legal cover to military courts
- The amendment was assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain
- The 23rd Amendment was passed on March 30, 2017
- Military Courts were established, which were also set up prior to this amendment
- The 23rd Amendment caused a significant change in the history of the judicial process

The Twenty-third Amendment grants legal cover to military courts
The Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, also known as the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 2017, grants legal cover to military courts. The amendment was passed on 30 March 2017 and assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain.
The amendment caused a significant change in the history of the judicial process in Pakistan. Military courts were established prior to this amendment, but they were subject to the 21st Amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. The Twenty-third Amendment provided a legal framework for the establishment and functioning of military courts, which have had an impact on both the judicial system and civilians of Pakistan.
The establishment of military courts has been a controversial topic in Pakistan, with some seeing it as a necessary step to ensure national security and others raising concerns about the potential impact on civilians and the judicial system. The Twenty-third Amendment provided legal backing for the existence of these courts, but it has also been subject to scrutiny and debate.
The specific provisions and details of the Twenty-third Amendment regarding the jurisdiction, powers, and procedures of the military courts are crucial. These details outline the scope and limitations of the courts' authority, ensuring that they operate within a defined legal framework. The amendment is intended to strike a balance between addressing national security concerns and preserving the rights and freedoms of citizens.
The Twenty-third Amendment's impact on the relationship between the military and the judiciary in Pakistan is also significant. By granting legal status to military courts, the amendment has potentially altered the dynamics between these two powerful institutions. The amendment's implementation and any subsequent reviews or adjustments are essential to ensuring a harmonious and balanced relationship between the military and the judiciary, with clear boundaries and respect for the rule of law.
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The amendment was assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain
The Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, officially known as the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, was passed on March 30, 2017. The amendment grants legal cover to military courts, marking a significant change in the history of the country's judicial process. The amendment was assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain in March 2017.
The establishment of military courts through the 23rd Amendment built upon earlier efforts to shape the country's legal landscape. Notably, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan in 1973 had also addressed the subject of military courts, setting a precedent for their existence prior to the 23rd Amendment. However, the 23rd Amendment's impact was more profound, as it solidified the legal standing of these courts and potentially expanded their reach.
The assent of President Mamnoon Hussain to the 23rd Amendment was a crucial step in its enactment. Presidential assent serves as a formal agreement and endorsement of an amendment, bill, or law. In doing so, President Hussain acknowledged the validity and importance of the 23rd Amendment, paving the way for its implementation and ensuring its place in Pakistan's legal framework.
President Mamnoon Hussain's role in assenting to the 23rd Amendment underscores the collaborative nature of Pakistan's constitutional amendment process. It reflects the coordination between different branches of government, including the executive and legislative branches, in shaping the country's legal landscape. The amendment's passage through the National Assembly and, ultimately, its approval by the President, highlight the checks and balances inherent in Pakistan's constitutional amendment process.
The 23rd Amendment's assent by President Hussain carried significant implications for Pakistan's judicial system and civil-military relations. The amendment's focus on military courts introduced a distinct dynamic to the administration of justice, potentially impacting the rights and freedoms of Pakistani citizens. The establishment of military courts has sparked debates and discussions among legal experts, policymakers, and civilians regarding the appropriate role of the military in the judicial sphere.
President Mamnoon Hussain's assent to the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan was a pivotal moment in the country's legal history, shaping the future direction of military justice and civil-military relations in Pakistan.
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The 23rd Amendment was passed on March 30, 2017
The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, also known as the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 2017, was passed on March 30, 2017. This amendment brought about significant changes to the country's judicial process by granting legal cover to military courts.
The establishment of military courts was not a new concept in Pakistan, as they had existed prior to this amendment and were subject to the 21st Amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. However, the 23rd Amendment provided a legal framework for these courts, which caused a notable shift in the history of the judicial process.
The year 2017 saw several amendments to the Constitution of Pakistan, including the 25th, 28th, 29th, and 30th Amendments. These amendments addressed a range of issues, such as increasing pension payments to widows of Supreme Court and High Court judges, re-enacting expired provisions of the 21st Amendment, introducing Executive Magistracy, and providing seats in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly for the Federally Administered Tribal Areas.
The 23rd Amendment, passed on March 30, 2017, stands out as a pivotal moment in Pakistan's judicial history, as it formalized the role and authority of military courts, separating it from the influence of previous amendments. This amendment underscores the dynamic nature of Pakistan's constitutional landscape, with frequent amendments being made to adapt to the evolving needs and challenges of the nation.
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Military Courts were established, which were also set up prior to this amendment
The Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, passed on March 30, 2017, and assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain, brought about a significant change in the country's judicial history. The amendment, officially called the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 2017, granted legal cover to military courts, which had also been established prior to this amendment.
The establishment of military courts in Pakistan has a complex history. While the 23rd Amendment solidified their legal standing, it is important to note that these courts were not a novel concept at the time of the amendment. The creation of these courts was subject to the 21st Amendment of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973. This indicates that military courts had existed in some form prior to the 23rd Amendment.
The existence of military courts before the 23rd Amendment raises important questions about their role and impact on Pakistan's judicial system and its civilians. A qualitative study published in the Annals of Human and Social Sciences explores the pros and cons of these courts and their effects on the country. It is crucial to examine the implications of military courts operating outside of the standard judicial framework.
The 23rd Amendment's grant of legal cover to military courts suggests an acknowledgement and formalisation of their existence within the Pakistani legal system. This move may have been motivated by a desire to regulate and oversee the activities of these courts, bringing them under the purview of the law. However, the specifics of how these courts operate and the extent of their jurisdiction remain essential areas of inquiry.
The establishment of military courts, both before and after the 23rd Amendment, has potentially far-reaching consequences for Pakistan's judicial landscape. The very existence of a parallel judicial system raises questions of accountability, transparency, and the protection of citizens' rights. The impact of military courts on civilian life is a critical aspect that warrants thorough examination and ongoing scrutiny to ensure a balanced and just legal environment in Pakistan.
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The 23rd Amendment caused a significant change in the history of the judicial process
The Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, also known as the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, was passed on March 30, 2017, and brought about a significant shift in the country's judicial history. The amendment, which was assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain, officially grants legal cover to military courts.
The establishment of military courts under this amendment marked a notable departure from the traditional judicial process in Pakistan. These courts, which had existed prior to the 23rd Amendment, were previously subject to the 21st Amendment in the Constitution of 1973. The creation of these courts and their subsequent operation have had a profound impact on both the judicial system and civilians in Pakistan.
The 23rd Amendment's recognition of military courts as a legal entity introduced a new dynamic to the country's judicial landscape. These courts operate separately from the regular civil courts and are governed by their own set of rules and procedures. Military courts typically handle cases involving military personnel, matters of national security, and situations where martial law has been imposed.
One of the significant outcomes of the 23rd Amendment is the expansion of judicial options available to Pakistan's citizens. With the inclusion of military courts, individuals now have access to a distinct judicial forum with its own jurisdiction and procedures. This diversification of judicial avenues can offer alternative paths for seeking justice or resolving disputes, particularly for those with cases that intersect with military or security concerns.
The amendment has also influenced the interpretation and application of laws in Pakistan. Military courts, with their specialized knowledge and focus on military-related matters, contribute to a unique perspective on legal issues. Their involvement in legal proceedings can shape the development of legal principles and precedents, potentially impacting the broader judicial process and the understanding of justice in the country.
In conclusion, the Twenty-third Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan brought about a notable transformation in the nation's judicial journey. By granting legal recognition to military courts, the amendment expanded the scope of the judicial system, offering new avenues for justice and shaping the legal landscape. The establishment of these courts and their integration into the judicial framework represent a significant milestone in Pakistan's ongoing pursuit of a comprehensive and adaptable justice system.
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Frequently asked questions
The 23rd Amendment to the Constitution of Pakistan, or the Constitution (Twenty-third Amendment) Act, 2017, grants legal cover to military courts.
The 23rd Amendment was passed on 30 March 2017.
The amendment was assented to by President Mamnoon Hussain.
The 23rd Amendment caused a significant change in the history of the judicial process by establishing military courts.
Yes, there were military courts in Pakistan before the 23rd Amendment, but they were subject to the 21st Amendment in the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973.

























