Islamabad, Nov 13: Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed key amendments to the Army Act, clearing the way for Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to be appointed as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a move enabled by the controversial 27th Constitutional Amendment signed earlier in the day by President Asif Ali Zardari.
The Prime Minister’s Office said the amendments were introduced to align military laws with the fresh constitutional changes. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, addressing the Assembly, clarified that the updates were adjustments to existing legislation rather than entirely new laws.
Under the amended Army Act, the serving Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will simultaneously serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, with a tenure of five years from the date of appointment. Certain provisions in the Navy and Air Force Acts were also removed or revised to bring them in line with the new structure.
Field Marshal Asim Munir — promoted to the honorary rank shortly after Pakistan’s four-day conflict with India — is set to become the inaugural CDF once the official notification is issued, experts told Geo News. His new five-year term as CDF/COAS will begin upon the appointment.
Munir, appointed Army Chief in 2024 for a three-year term, will now hold expanded authority under the revamped hierarchy. The 27th Constitutional Amendment also altered Article 243 and introduced honorary titles including Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Parliament will have exclusive powers to revoke these titles or impeach service chiefs.
Additionally, the CDF will recommend the Army officer who will head the National Strategic Command, while the prime minister will make the final appointment.
Pakistan’s powerful military, which has directly ruled the country for more than half its 78-year history, continues to wield significant influence over national security and foreign policy. (Agencies)
