Bill Proposes New Chief of Defence Forces Role
The federal government has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in the Senate, proposing major reforms to the military command and leadership structure.
The bill, introduced today, seeks to abolish the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and create a new position called the Chief of Defence Forces.
Under the proposal, the Chief of Defence Forces will also serve as the Chief of Army Staff, consolidating command responsibilities at the top level.
The amendment further calls for establishing a Commander of the National Strategic Command to oversee the nuclear and strategic defence assets of Pakistan.
As per the proposed changes to Article 243, the president will appoint all service chiefs based on the advice of the prime minister, ensuring unified appointments.
The army chief will simultaneously serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, holding the highest constitutional position in Pakistan’s armed services hierarchy.
The bill also grants lifelong privileges to officers promoted to five-star ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet.
These officers will remain in uniform for life and receive constitutional immunities comparable to those provided to the president under Article 248.
Presenting the bill, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the Field Marshal title of General Asim Munir was honorary and not an operational appointment.
He announced that the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position will cease to exist after the retirement of General Sahir Shamshad Mirza on November 27, 2025.
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The law minister said the newly proposed titles will be reserved for national heroes and cannot be withdrawn without parliamentary approval or due process.
He explained that the prime minister, based on the recommendation of army chief, will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command.
Officials described the legislation as a technical modernization intended to streamline command structures and recognize extraordinary military promotions within constitutional bounds.
However, the bill has triggered sharp political debate, with critics warning it could further enhance military influence and reduce civilian oversight powers.
The timing of the amendment drew scrutiny as it followed General Asim Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal after the May 2025 India-Pakistan standoff.
Opposition leaders, including PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, revealed that the government had earlier sought coalition support for broader constitutional reform discussions.
If approved, the 27th Amendment will redefine Pakistan’s defence command structure and significantly reshape the civil-military balance established under previous constitutions.
