Pakistan has introduced a major constitutional amendment to strengthen coordination among its armed forces. The 27th Amendment Bill, presented in Parliament on Saturday, creates the new post of Chief of Defence Forces to lead a unified command.
The amendment changes Article 243 of the Constitution. It allows the President to appoint the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces based on the Prime Minister’s advice. The Army Chief will also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces and will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister.
The government can now promote officers to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. The title of Field Marshal will remain for life.
The move follows lessons from the short India-Pakistan conflict in May after India launched Operation Sindoor. Soon after, Pakistan promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to Field Marshal.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the 49-clause bill in the Senate. It also proposes judicial and provincial reforms. The Senate committees on Law and Justice will now review the bill in detail.
