Pakistan has tabled the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill to create a new Chief of Defence Forces position, seeking stronger coordination among the military branches. The amendment also includes judicial reforms and changes to provincial cabinet structures
Pakistan has proposed a major constitutional change to strengthen coordination within its armed forces by creating a new position — the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The move is part of the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced in parliament on Saturday.
The bill seeks to amend Article 243 of the Constitution, which governs the country’s armed forces. According to the proposal, both the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Defence Forces will be appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s recommendation.
Under the amendment, the Army Chief, who will also serve as the CDF, will have the authority to appoint the head of the National Strategic Command (NSC), in consultation with the Prime Minister. The head of the NSC will be selected from the Pakistan Army, ensuring centralized control over strategic operations.
The legislation also introduces provisions allowing the government to promote military officers to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. The rank of Field Marshal will carry lifetime privileges, meaning those appointed will retain the title permanently.
Additionally, the bill states that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position will cease to exist after November 27, 2025, effectively transferring its responsibilities to the new Chief of Defence Forces.
According to reports, this decision was influenced by the four-day conflict with India in May, which highlighted the need for a more integrated military command structure. Following India’s Operation Sindoor, Pakistan faced significant losses, including damage to several F-16 aircraft.
After the conflict, General Asim Munir was promoted to Field Marshal, becoming only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to receive the honor.
Beyond the military restructuring, the 27th Amendment Bill also includes provisions for establishing a Federal Constitutional Court, revising the process for high court judge appointments, and redefining the composition of provincial cabinets.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the bill in the Senate after cabinet approval earlier in the day. He stated that the legislation comprises 49 clauses covering five major policy areas.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani referred the bill to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for joint review, instructing them to present a detailed report to the House.
However, the opposition, led by PTI Senator Ali Zafar, objected to the speed of the process, arguing that the amendment was being pushed through without sufficient debate. Zafar noted that the opposition had received the draft only hours before the session and had not had time to review it properly.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired a virtual cabinet meeting from Azerbaijan, where the draft amendment was unanimously endorsed by the federal cabinet.
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