Pakistan has made a major change to its Constitution by creating a new post called the Chief of Defence Forces. This move is meant to improve coordination and bring the army, navy, and air force under a single command structure.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introduced in parliament, proposes changes to Article 243, which deals with the country’s armed forces. Under this amendment, the President will appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces based on the advice of the Prime Minister.
According to the bill, the person serving as the Army Chief will also take on the role of Chief of Defence Forces. This officer will be responsible for appointing the head of the National Strategic Command, in consultation with the Prime Minister. The new law specifies that the head of this command must come from the Pakistan Army.
The amendment also gives the government power to promote senior officers to honorary lifetime ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Field Marshals will hold their title and privileges for life.
The position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will officially end on November 27, 2025, once the new system takes full effect.
Reports suggest the idea for this new military structure came after lessons learned from a recent four-day conflict with India in May. The short but intense clashes were triggered after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. The operation followed the Pahalgam terror attack in April.
During the strikes, Indian forces reportedly destroyed or damaged several Pakistani military aircraft, including F-16 fighter jets. After four days of fighting, both countries agreed to halt the military actions on May 10.
Soon after the conflict ended, Pakistan promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second officer in the country’s history to hold that title.
The new constitutional amendment doesn’t just focus on the military. It also aims to create a Federal Constitutional Court, modify how high court judges are appointed, and set new rules for provincial cabinets.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the 49-clause bill in the Senate soon after the cabinet approved it. He explained that it covers three main areas and two related subjects, altogether addressing five key topics.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani sent the bill to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for further examination. Both committees are expected to hold joint meetings and later present their report to the House for final review.