Field Marshal Munir’s CDF Tenure Begins with New Notification

The 27th Amendment: A Major Shift in Pakistan’s Political and Military Landscape

The Senate and National Assembly of Pakistan have taken significant steps to finalize the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which marks a pivotal shift in the structure of the country’s apex court and the command of its armed forces. This development has been met with both support and criticism, as it introduces major changes that are expected to reshape the political and military dynamics of the nation.

Key Legislative Changes

In a swift session, the lower house of the parliament passed four bills related to the Armed Forces and the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023. These bills were approved in accordance with the 27th amendment, which was passed with a two-thirds majority earlier this week. The constitutional package was finalized after receiving the signature of President Asif Ali Zardari.

Among the key provisions of these amendments is the introduction of new roles for the Chief of Army Staff, who will now concurrently serve as the Chief of the Defense Force (CDF) for a period of five years. Additionally, the tenure of the Chief of Army Staff will restart with the issuance of a new notification, according to the amendment.

The amendment also includes provisions where the powers and functions of the Chief of Army Staff can be delegated to the Vice Chief or Deputy Chief of Army Staff under specific circumstances. Furthermore, the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished and replaced by the Commander of the National Strategic Command.

Amendments to the Armed Forces Acts

The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025, each contain significant changes. For instance, the Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025, omits sections 10D, 10E, and 10F of the Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953, which previously outlined the appointment of the PAF Chief as Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Similar changes are made in the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, regarding the appointment and tenure of the Naval Chief.

These amendments aim to streamline the command structure of the armed forces, ensuring that the roles and responsibilities of key military personnel align with the new constitutional framework.

Supreme Court Reforms

The Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Bill, 2025, introduced by Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, outlines new procedures for handling petitions, appeals, and review applications. It states that every case must be heard and disposed of by a bench comprising the Chief Justice, the next most senior Judge, and a Judge nominated by the Chief Justice. If a member is unable to attend a meeting, the Chief Justice may nominate another Judge.

Additionally, the bill proposes the omission of sections containing the term “Constitutional Benches” from the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, 2023.

Other Legislative Developments

The treasury benches also approved a private member bill, the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, 2025, despite strong resistance from the opposition. The bill aims to address domestic violence in the Islamabad Capital Territory by establishing a comprehensive legal framework for the protection of victims.

Meanwhile, the Senate approved eight changes to the 27th Constitution Amendment Bill with 64 votes, while four votes from the JUI-F were against it. The opposition, led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), criticized the process, alleging that the Senate Chairman was promoting horse trading by complimenting a defected PTI member.

Controversies and Allegations

The debate over the 27th Amendment has sparked intense controversy, with allegations of horse trading and corruption. PTI Senator Ali Zafar accused the ruling parties of promoting deception, citing the involvement of defected members in the approval of the bill. He argued that the amendment was rushed through without proper consultation and was aimed at preventing former Prime Minister Imran Khan from challenging the government.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar defended the process, stating that any member who defected would be disqualified only after a formal declaration from their party head. However, the Senate Chairman denied receiving any such declarations or resignations.

Additional Legislative Actions

In addition to the constitutional amendments, the house passed a resolution hailing the decision of the Sri Lankan Cricket Board to continue its tour in Pakistan despite threats. The resolution acknowledged the efforts of the Interior Minister and Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi in ensuring the success of the tour.

Conclusion

The passage of the 27th Amendment and the associated legislative changes mark a significant turning point in Pakistan’s political and military landscape. While supporters argue that these reforms are necessary for modernization and efficiency, critics raise concerns about the integrity of the process and the potential impact on democratic institutions. As the country moves forward, the long-term implications of these changes will be closely watched.