Islamabad: Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday approved amendments to the Army Act, clearing the way for Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to become the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The move follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s assent to the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment, which is now part of the Constitution.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the amendments align military laws with the new constitutional changes. Speaking in the National Assembly after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif tabled the bill, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that these were modifications to existing laws rather than new legislation.
He said the key change allows the sitting Chief of Army Staff to simultaneously serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, with a five-year tenure starting from the date of appointment. Tarar added that several provisions in the Navy and Air Force Acts were also revised.
Field Marshal Munir, elevated to the rank just days after the four-day conflict with India, is only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to hold the title—after Field Marshal Ayub Khan in the 1960s. Experts said a fresh notification will be issued to formally appoint him as CDF, which will also mark the beginning of his five-year term. Munir was originally appointed COAS in 2024 for a three-year tenure.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment also revised Article 243, creating the CDF post and introducing honorary ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Only Parliament will have the authority to revoke these titles or impeach the forces’ chiefs.
Additionally, the prime minister will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command from the Army on the CDF’s recommendation.
The powerful Pakistan Army, which has ruled the country for over half of its 78-plus years, has traditionally exercised significant influence over security and foreign policy.
