Pakistan’s federal cabinet has approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, proposing significant changes to the country’s military command structure. The amendment aims to create a new position, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), which will oversee all branches of the armed forces.
“The federal cabinet approved the draft for the 27th Constitutional Amendment and welcomed it to the fullest extent,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, virtually chairing the cabinet meeting from Azerbaijan.
Under the proposed changes, the President, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, will appoint the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who will also assume the newly created position of CDF. The Chiefs of the Navy and Air Force will be appointed through the same process.
“The Chief of Army Staff, who will also be the Chief of Defence Forces, will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister,” said Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar.
The amendment also proposes abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) position, effective November 27, 2025, consolidating strategic military leadership under the unified command of the CDF.
“This amendment will modernize command efficiency and clarify leadership hierarchy within the armed forces,” said Tarar.
The proposed changes have sparked debate, with opposition parties warning that the amendment could tilt the balance of power toward the military.