Cabinet approves Defence Forces Act 2026, amendments to National Command Authority Act 2010
The bills would give legal effect to the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which creates a chief of defence forces role and abolishes the joint chiefs post.
- On Thursday, the Federal Cabinet approved the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to implement the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
- The 27th Constitutional Amendment recast the military command structure by abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee office and establishing the Chief of Defence Forces and Commander National Strategic Command roles.
- Under the new framework, Field Marshal Asim Munir serves as the CDF, while General Aamer Raza leads the National Strategic Command with the prime minister able to reappoint the Strategic Commander for one additional three-year term.
- The Pakistan Peoples Party decided to support the government on key legislation, with PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Faryal Talpur attending the cabinet meeting to signal cooperation on the upcoming parliamentary agenda.
- Parliament will receive the draft Defence Forces Act and amended National Command Authority Act during its ongoing session, formalizing administrative arrangements for the CDF Headquarters and the new military command structure.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Pakistan moves to give Asim Munir sweeping control over armed forces
Pakistan's National Assembly passed two bills to streamline military and nuclear command structures. These bills follow last year's constitutional amendment which introduced a Chief of Defence Forces. The new legislation aims to integrate strategic forces and establish a Defence Forces Headquarters. The Chief of Defence Forces will advise the prime minister on national security matters. These bills now require Senate approval before becoming law.
Pakistan gives Asim Munir sweeping powers over armed forces under new military law
The legislation puts Pakistan's Army, Navy and Air Force under a unified command headed by Asim Munir and gives him extensive powers over military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and alter prescribed retirement limits.
Under Pakistan's new defence Act, CDF Asim Munir can hire, fire and retire armed forces personnel
The two new Acts were passed Thursday by the National Assembly amid an Opposition walkout. They were earlier approved in a federal cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 86% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
