NA approves Armed Forces Amendment Bills 2025; Army Chief to also serve as Chief of Defence Forces

The National Assembly has approved the Pakistan Army Act 2025 along with the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bills 2025 by a majority vote.

During the assembly session, the government presented four legislative bills, including the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill 2025, Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2025, and Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill 2025, which were all passed with majority support.

Addressing the session, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the Federal Cabinet had already approved the legislation and congratulated members on the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, noting that a constitutional court had now been established.

He further explained that Article 243 of the Constitution had also been amended, and the Ministry of Defence had submitted summaries for amendments in three related laws.

Following approval to present the supplementary agenda, the assembly passed all four bills after clause-by-clause voting.

According to the new amendments, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will also assume the role of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), while the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) will be abolished.

The tenure of the Chief of Defence Forces will be five years from the date of appointment.

Additionally, a new position — Commander National Strategic Command (CNSC) — will replace the CJCSC.

The Prime Minister will appoint the CNSC from among serving generals on the recommendation of the Army Chief for a term of three years, which may be extended or renewed for another three years upon recommendation.

Parallel amendments have also been made to the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy Acts, removing references to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from their respective regulations.