The federal cabinet has approved major reforms under the draft 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, introducing significant changes to the structure of Pakistan’s Armed Forces command. These proposals aim to streamline the country’s military leadership and centralize command for better coordination.
According to the draft, Article 243 of the Constitution will be amended so that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) will also serve as the new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This new role will combine responsibilities and ensure unified military command across all branches of the Armed Forces. The President, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, will make the appointments.
The same procedure will apply for the appointment of the Chiefs of the Navy and Air Force, maintaining consistency in how top military officials are chosen.
Another major change in the proposal is the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) post, effective November 27, 2025. With this change, the position’s duties will be transferred to the new Chief of Defence Forces, marking a major shift in Pakistan’s defence leadership structure.
The amendment also states that the Commander of the National Strategic Command, which oversees the country’s strategic and nuclear forces, will be appointed by the Prime Minister, based on the CDF’s recommendation.
If approved, the amendment will mark one of the most important structural changes in Pakistan’s military command, aligning it more closely with unified defence systems seen in other countries.
