ISLAMABAD: The draft of the 27th constitutional amendment proposes a major change in the military structure under which the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished and the army chief will be given the new title of “Chief of Defence forces.
Speaking on the floor of the house, Law Minister Azam Tarar said has that the creation of the Chief of Defence Forces and the National Strategic Command will further strengthen Pakistan’s security and defence structure.
According to the proposed draft, appointing the Army Chief as the Chief of Defence Forces on the advice of the Prime Minister aims to ensure clear civilian control under the Constitution and reinforce the chain of command. The move will end the division of powers and dual leadership, leading to faster decision-making and clearer accountability.
The position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee has been deemed unnecessary as it was mostly advisory in nature and lacked real operational command. Pakistan’s defence strategy, is primarily ground-based and directly overseen by the Army Chief.
Under the proposed amendment, the Commander of the National Strategic Command will be appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Army Chief, who will also serve as Chief of Defence Forces. The new framework will align with the country’s nuclear program, National Command Authority, and Strategic Plans Division.
The document states that the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet will be reserved for officers who have rendered historic services. Retaining these ranks for life will be a way to honour their national contribution, though their official appointments will end after the completion of tenure.
It adds that these ranks will remain subject to constitutional accountability and can only be revoked under Article 47. After retirement, the state may assign these officers strategic, military, or diplomatic roles to utilize their experience and maintain institutional continuity.
According to the law minister, the proposed amendments are not meant to expand individual or institutional power but to ensure constitutional clarity, professional restructuring of defence institutions, and the continuity of national security policy.
The proposed amendment removes he deliberate confusion being spread that the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air, and Admiral of the Fleet will be lifetime appointments, it should be made clear that these are military ranks, not official posts. The duration of any post is always determined at the time of appointment. Moreover, military ranks are generally held for life unless withdrawn through legal or administrative procedures.
