Pakistan has introduced the 27th Constitutional Amendment, creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces to ensure better coordination and unified command among the army, navy, and air force. The move comes months after Pakistan’s military losses during Operation Sindoor, launched by India in May following the Pahalgam terror attack.
New structure of military command
The amendment modifies Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution, empowering the President to appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Forces on the Prime Minister’s advice. Under the new structure, the Army Chief will also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces and appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister. The head of the command will be from the Pakistan Army.
The government can now promote officers to the honorary ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet — ranks which will remain for life. The existing post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will cease to exist after November 27, 2025.
Inspired by Operation Sindoor fallout
According to media reports, the constitutional overhaul was prompted by lessons from the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May. India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps and Pakistani military infrastructure in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The strikes reportedly destroyed several Pakistani aircraft, including F-16s. After intense clashes, both sides agreed to cease hostilities on May 10.
Following the conflict, Pakistan elevated General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal — making him only the second officer in the country’s history to achieve the position.
Broader constitutional changes
The 27th Amendment also proposes establishing a Federal Constitutional Court, altering the process of appointing high court judges, and redefining rules for provincial cabinets. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced the bill in the Senate shortly after cabinet approval, noting that it contains 49 clauses addressing five key areas.
Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani referred the bill to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for review, allowing for joint discussions. However, opposition leader Ali Zafar of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf objected, arguing that the bill should not be debated while the opposition leader’s seat remains vacant. He claimed that the opposition had not even read the draft, which was circulated on the same day.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting via video link from Azerbaijan before the bill’s introduction, where it was approved “to the fullest extent,” according to official statements.