Article 248 is Pakistan’s presidential-immunity article — and after the 27th Amendment, it protects five-star officers too. Here is exactly what it covers.
Quick answer: Article 248 shields the President and Governors from criminal proceedings and arrest during their term, and requires 60 days’ written notice before civil proceedings. Ministers are not answerable to courts for official acts.
Who is protected, and from what
- No criminal proceedings may be instituted or continued against the President or a Governor during their term of office.
- No arrest or imprisonment of the President or a Governor during their term — no court may issue such process.
- Civil proceedings against the President or a Governor require 60 days’ written notice delivered (or sent) to them.
- The President, Governor, Prime Minister, Ministers and Chief Ministers are not answerable to any court for the exercise of their official powers and functions.
Important limits
The immunity is personal and temporary: it covers the term of office, not life — a former President can face proceedings for acts after leaving office (subject to limitation law). And it does not protect ministers from criminal prosecution the way it protects the President: ministers’ shield covers official acts, not private conduct.
Extended to five-star officers (2025)
The 27th Amendment provides that the Article 248 protections “as applicable to the President shall mutatis mutandis apply” to officers holding the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet — part of the lifetime constitutional protection package in rewritten Article 243.
Frequently asked questions
What is Article 248 of the Pakistan Constitution?
The immunity article: no criminal proceedings or arrest against the President/Governors during term; 60 days’ notice for civil suits; no court may question official acts.
Does the President of Pakistan have immunity?
During the term, yes — from criminal proceedings and arrest (Article 248). Civil cases need 60 days’ prior written notice.
