The Defence Forces Act 2026 is a law to define the role of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the CDF Headquarters. The position of CDF was created through the 27th Amendment. Now the Defence Forces Act 2026 will explain how the position of CDF will work.
The federal cabinet approved the draft, but the National Assembly (NA) will have to finalise the Defence Forces Act 2026.
The law will primarily deal with the administrative matters related to the operation of the CDF and its headquarters. It is pertinent to mention that Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir currently holds two positions in the armed forces, including CDF and Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir became Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces on December 4, 2025.
Also Read, National Assembly passes Defence Forces Act 2026 after cabinet approval
Earlier, the National Assembly on Thursday passed, by majority vote, the Defence Forces Act 2026 and the National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill, following their approval by the federal cabinet earlier. According to the details, the National Command Authority Amendment Bill 2026 was presented in the National Assembly by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
Under the proposed amendment, the Chief of Defence Forces will be included in the National Command Authority, while the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be removed from its composition. The opposition walked out of the session after PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar was not given an opportunity to speak. The National Assembly session was later adjourned until 11 am tomorrow.