Pakistan amends constitution, Asim Munir to become Chief of Defence Forces
PTC News Desk: Pakistan on Saturday introduced a Constitutional amendment creating the new post of Chief of Defence Forces to strengthen coordination and establish a unified command among the three military services.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, presented in Parliament, proposes revisions to Article 243 of the Constitution, which pertains to matters concerning the armed forces.
Under the proposed amendment, the President will appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces based on the Prime Minister’s advice.
According to the bill, the Chief of Army Staff, who will also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister. The head of this command will come from the Pakistan Army. The bill also authorizes the government to promote military officers to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. The title and privileges of Field Marshal will be lifelong.
The legislation further states that the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will cease to exist after November 27, 2025.
According to Pakistani media reports, the move is influenced by the lessons learned from the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May and the growing need for an integrated approach to modern warfare.
Following the April 22 Pahalgam Terror Attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas. The confrontation continued for four days and concluded on May 10 after both sides agreed to halt military action.
Indian Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh stated last month that at least a dozen Pakistani aircraft, including US-made F-16s, were damaged or destroyed in the strikes.
India has maintained that Pakistan sought an end to the hostilities after Indian forces struck key military installations.
In the aftermath of the conflict, the Pakistani government elevated Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to receive the title.
Additionally, the 27th Amendment Bill also seeks to establish a Federal Constitutional Court, revise the process of high court judge appointments, and alter the criteria for forming provincial cabinets.
- With inputs from agencies
