Pakistan has introduced an amendment in the Constitution to create a new position, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), in a bid to make the armed forces stronger. This amendment, introduced on Saturday, will also enhance coordination and command among the tri-services – the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Sharif gov assures that it wouldn’t ‘endanger democracy’
The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill presented in parliament proposes changes to Article 243 of the Constitution, and it will reportedly give Asim Munir, who Trump once described as “my favourite Field Marshal”, more powers. He will otherwise retire on November 28.
According to the Bill, the President, on the advice of the Prime Minister, will appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Force. In addition to this, the Army Chief, who will also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command from within the Pakistan Army, in consultation with the Prime Minister.
The current Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif’s government has insisted that the amendment will “not endanger democracy”.
The amendment also empowers the government to elevate military officers to the honorary ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Notably, the title of Field Marshal will be granted for life, meaning whoever gets promoted to that position will enjoy privileges tied to the rank throughout their life.
With this in place, the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished effective November 27.
According to local media reports, the move was influenced by India’s retaliatory action, Operation Sindoor, which highlighted the need for unified and integrated military operations.
After the ceasefire, the Pakistan government promoted 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. Field Marshal Ayub Khan was the first Pakistani military officer to hold the rank of Field Marshal, a title he conferred upon himself in 1959 after seizing power through a military coup. Following the takeover, he assumed the roles of Chief Martial Law Administrator and later President of Pakistan.
Other key amendments
Beyond military restructuring, the Bill also proposes the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court, revisions to the judicial appointment process for high courts, and adjustments to the size and threshold of provincial cabinets.
The Bill, comprising 49 clauses, was presented by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in the Senate, the upper house, shortly after it was approved by the cabinet.
“Let me clarify that there are three main areas and two ancillary. It will address five subject areas,” PTI quoted him as saying.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani referred the Bill to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for joint review and recommendations, and that the report would be presented before the House.
‘Cannot debate something we haven’t read’: Opposition
Opposition PTI Senator Ali Zafar criticised the timing and process of the proposed amendment, arguing that it was inappropriate to debate such a significant constitutional change while the Leader of the Opposition’s seat remained vacant. “We cannot debate something we have not read,” Zafar stated, suggesting instead that the Senate as a whole serve as the reviewing committee to allow for a full and transparent debate.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting via video link from Azerbaijan, where the federal cabinet approved the 27th Amendment draft and expressed full support for the proposal, according to state-run PTV News.
(With inputs from PTI)