Pakistan's army chief gets more powers and lifelong immunity

Critics say the move, which entrenches the military's hold on power, paves the way toward autocracy.

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The 27th constitutional amendment, which was signed into law on Thursday, will also make significant changes to the way the country's top courts operate.

Those defending the changes say they provide clarity and administrative structure to the armed forces, while helping to ease a backlog in the courts.

Pakistan's military has long played a prominent role in the nuclear-armed country's politics - sometimes seizing power in coups, and, on other occasions, pulling levers behind the scenes.

Throughout its history, Pakistan has oscillated from more civilian autonomy to overt control under military leaders like General Pervez Musharraf and General Zia-ul-Haq. Analysts refer to the balance between civilian and military as hybrid rule.