The National Assembly has approved the Army Act Amendment Bill, under which the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will now also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, with the new position carrying a five-year tenure. According to the proposed Army Act, a fresh notification will be issued for the COAS in his new capacity as Chief of Defence Forces, and once this notification is issued, his tenure will restart from that date. As per the amendment, the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27.
Following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the National Assembly also approved the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act 2025. Under the new law, a fresh appointment order will be issued for the COAS as Chief of Defence Forces, and his tenure will restart accordingly. The amendment further states that the COAS, as Chief of Defence Forces, will oversee the restructuring and integration of all branches of the Pakistan Army.
Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the COAS will now assume the responsibilities of Chief of Defence Forces, and the tenure for this new position will be five years. He added that the Prime Minister, on the recommendation of the Cabinet, will approve the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces, and the tenure will begin from the date of notification.
Azam Nazeer Tarar also clarified that the tenure of the Chief of Defence Forces will be five years from the day of appointment, and the position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27, as outlined in the Army Act.
The proposed Army Act further states that the Commander of the National Strategic Command will serve a three-year term and may be reappointed for an additional three years. The amendment explains that the appointment or extension of the Commander of the National Strategic Command cannot be challenged in court, and ordinary retirement rules will not apply. The officer will serve in the Pakistan Army with the rank of general for the duration of the appointment.
The National Assembly also approved a bill to amend the Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961 and approved amendments to the Pakistan Air Force Act as well.
Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act 2025—Key Developments
The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act 2025, presented in the National Assembly, introduces the new position of Chief of Defence Forces for the COAS while proposing the abolition of the role of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
The amendment establishes a new position called “Commander National Strategic Command,” with the COAS simultaneously performing the duties of Chief of Defence Forces. The Prime Minister will have the authority to appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command for a three-year term, with the option of extending the tenure for an additional three years. The appointment or extension of this position will not be subject to legal challenge.
Furthermore, the officer appointed as Commander of the National Strategic Command will not be bound by standard retirement rules and will continue serving in the Pakistan Army with the rank of General. The office of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27, 2025. The amendment also empowers the federal government to define the powers of the COAS and the Chief of Defence Forces while outlining military reorganization and multi-domain integration as key components.
The amendment also includes clarifications related to the rank of Field Marshal and introduces changes to several sections of the Army Act. The Prime Minister, on the recommendation of the COAS, will determine the structure of the Defence Forces Command, and Article 243 of the Constitution will apply to these amended provisions.
The federal government will also have the authority to delegate powers to the vice or the Deputy Chief of Army Staff. The act will take effect immediately upon approval and aims to align the laws of the Army, Navy, and Air Force with the new constitutional amendments.
Separate amendment bills have been prepared for the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force, to harmonize the structure and responsibilities of the armed forces. According to the government, these amendments will enhance coordination within the defence command system and strengthen the leadership framework.
Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill 2025—Key Points
The National Assembly has also approved the Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill 2025, which introduces multiple changes to the Pakistan Air Force Act of 1953. Under the amendment, all clauses related to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be removed.
Several sections of the Air Force Act have been revised by replacing the word “or” with “and/or” to improve legal clarity, while sections including 10D, 10E, and 10F have been recommended for complete removal. The bill aims to align the command structure of the Air Force with the new defence framework and integrate it with the amended Army and Navy laws.
Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill 2025 — Key Provisions
The National Assembly has approved the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill 2025, which introduces modifications to the Pakistan Navy Act of 1961. The amendments remove all clauses related to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
Certain terms related to the powers and responsibilities of the Chief of Naval Staff have also been revised. Several parts of the act now include the phrase “and/or” instead of “or,” while sections 11D, 11E, and 11F have been recommended for removal.
The bill updates the Navy’s legal structure according to the multi-domain integration policy, ensuring alignment with the revised Army and Air Force Acts. The amendments aim to increase operational harmony and strengthen the unified defence command framework.
