Pakistan’s Senate is reviewing a set of defence and judiciary bills aimed at harmonising the legal framework with the 27th Constitutional Amendment. These bills follow the National Assembly’s approval, which passed them with a majority vote. They seek to update legislation for the armed forces and the Supreme Court, reflecting the latest constitutional reforms.
The proposed bills include the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2025, Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2025, Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Together, they redefine institutional roles and ensure consistency with the constitutional amendments enacted earlier this year.
Chief of Defence Forces Role and COAS Tenure
A key change involves Field Marshal Asim Munir, whose five-year tenure as Chief of the Army Staff will now concurrently include the role of Chief of Defence Forces. According to the new law, his term will begin from the date of his appointment under the amended provisions.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the COAS will serve as the CDF for five years. The amendments allow for a coordinated chain of command while maintaining accountability through formal notifications. Moreover, the legislation grants the federal government authority to delegate COAS powers to the Vice Chief or Deputy Chief of Army Staff with written orders.
Abolition of CJCSC and Creation of National Strategic Command
The structural reforms include abolishing the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). It will be replaced by the Commander of the National Strategic Command. The Prime Minister can appoint the commander from among serving Army generals, with a three-year term, based on recommendations from the COAS/CDF.
The legislation also allows the Prime Minister to set terms, conditions, and possible three-year extensions in the national interest. Notably, any appointment or extension for this role cannot be challenged in court. These measures aim to streamline military leadership and clarify operational authority across armed forces.
Amendments to Armed Forces Acts
The Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025 removes Sections 10D, 10E, and 10F, which previously governed the Air Force chief’s appointment as CJCSC, tenure, extension, and retirement. All references to the CJCSC are now eliminated.
Similarly, the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill deletes Sections 14D, 14E, and 14F related to the Naval Chief as CJCSC. These changes reflect the abolition of the CJCSC post and adjust appointment and tenure provisions accordingly. The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill complements these changes, ensuring alignment with the new dual office of COAS and CDF.
Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Updates
The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2025, introduces a new mechanism for bench formation. All petitions, appeals, and review applications before the Supreme Court will be heard by a committee comprising the Chief Justice, the next senior-most judge, and a third judge nominated by the Chief Justice.
If any member cannot attend, the Chief Justice may nominate another judge. Sections referring to “Constitutional Benches” in the 2023 Act have been removed. This system aims to streamline Supreme Court procedures and reflect the changes brought by the 27th Amendment.
Federal Cabinet Endorsements and Strategic Reforms
The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, previously approved these amendments. It endorsed aligning the Army, Air Force, and Navy Acts with Article 243 and the creation of the Chief of Defence Forces office. The reforms also introduce honorary ranks, including Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, reflecting modernised military structures.
Additionally, the cabinet approved the draft Federal Constitutional Court (Procedure and Practice) Act, 2025. This bill is designed to define procedures for the newly established judicial body, ensuring coordination between the armed forces and judicial reforms under the 27th Amendment.
Implications for Military Leadership and Judicial Oversight
The amendments redefine the distribution of authority within Pakistan’s armed forces. The dual role of COAS and CDF aims to ensure multi-domain integration and effective coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Meanwhile, the abolition of the CJCSC consolidates command under the National Strategic Command.
On the judicial side, the Supreme Court bill streamlines bench formation and omits outdated references. Together, these measures strengthen institutional clarity, reduce administrative ambiguity, and reinforce constitutional alignment.
Balancing Defence, Judiciary, and Constitutional Compliance
The legislative changes mark a historic update to Pakistan’s legal and military framework. They balance operational efficiency in the armed forces with procedural clarity in the judiciary. By harmonising laws with the 27th Amendment, the government seeks to modernise governance structures while maintaining legal consistency.
With Senate approval pending, these bills are expected to pass smoothly, completing the alignment process between the Constitution, armed forces statutes, and Supreme Court procedures.
