The National Assembly on Thursday passed major amendment bills related to the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy, alongside changes to the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Act.
All three bills were presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The session saw active participation from government benches as ministers presented a series of legislative updates not linked to the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The Army Act Amendment Bill introduces several significant changes:
- Section 176C of the Army Act has been amended.
- Section 8G has also been revised, and according to the bill, the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished effective November 27, 2025.
- The Prime Minister, on the recommendation of the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces, will appoint the Commander National Strategic Command for a three-year term.
- The Prime Minister will also determine the terms and conditions of the Commander National Strategic Command.
- On the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces, the Prime Minister may re-appoint the Commander National Strategic Command for an additional three-year term.
- The appointment, re-appointment, or extension of the Commander National Strategic Command cannot be challenged in any court, according to the text of the bill.
- Provisions regarding retirement age, length of service, and removal applicable under the Army Act will not apply to the Commander National Strategic Command.
- The Commander National Strategic Command will serve as a General in the Pakistan Army.
- The term of the Chief of Defence Forces will begin from the date of official notification.
- The Army Chief will serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, as stated in the bill.
- If a General is promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, he will perform his duties under sub-section (2) of the amended provisions.
- The Federal Government will define the duties and responsibilities of the Army Chief (Chief of Defence Forces).
- The Federal Government will not be permitted to restrict the Chief of Defence Forces’ responsibilities in multi-domain operational areas.
