Pakistan Introduces Major Military Restructure with New Defence Chief
Pakistan has implemented a significant constitutional amendment to establish the position of Chief of Defence Forces, marking one of the most substantial military organizational changes in recent years. The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill, presented in parliament on Saturday, aims to create greater coordination and unified command among the country's three military services.
Key Provisions of the Constitutional Amendment
The amendment brings crucial changes to Article 243 of the Constitution, which governs the armed forces. Under the new legislation, the President will appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces based on the Prime Minister's recommendation. Notably, the Chief of Army Staff will simultaneously serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, creating a powerful dual-role position.
The newly empowered military leader will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister, with the provision that this position must be filled by an officer from the Pakistan Army. The amendment also introduces lifetime ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, with Field Marshals retaining their rank and privileges for life.
Timing and Strategic Implications
The constitutional changes come as the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is set to expire on November 27, 2025. According to local media reports, this military restructuring draws lessons from the four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May and addresses the evolving demands of modern warfare that require integrated operational responses.
The May conflict was triggered by India's Operation Sindoor on May 7, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The intense clashes lasted four days before concluding with a military action cessation agreement on May 10.
Indian Air Chief Marshal A P Singh recently disclosed that at least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including US-origin F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged during Indian strikes. India has maintained that Pakistan sought to end hostilities after Indian military operations significantly impacted Pakistani military infrastructure.
Political Process and Opposition Concerns
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the comprehensive bill in the Senate, following its approval by the federal cabinet. The legislation contains 49 clauses addressing five main subject areas, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, modifications to high court judge appointment procedures, and adjustments to provincial cabinet thresholds.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani has referred the bill to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for detailed review. However, opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leader Ali Zadar expressed concerns about the rushed legislative process, noting that the opposition had received the draft only on Saturday and hadn't had adequate time to review its contents.
The cabinet approval occurred under unusual circumstances, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chairing the meeting via video link from Azerbaijan, according to state-run PTV News. The government and allied parties appear determined to advance the legislation quickly, despite opposition calls for more thorough deliberation.
This military restructuring follows the recent promotion of Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second military officer in Pakistan's history to achieve this elevated position. The comprehensive changes signal Pakistan's ongoing efforts to modernize its military command structure in response to regional security challenges.
