The National Assembly approved the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010 on Thursday by a majority vote. These legislative changes aim to update the legal framework in accordance with the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented both bills, which were passed despite opposition concerns over insufficient time to review the proposals. Earlier, the federal cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, had endorsed the draft Defence Forces Act and the National Command Authority Act amendments.
The Defence Forces Act establishes a formal legal structure for administrative affairs related to the office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. This follows the restructuring of the country’s senior military command system introduced by the 27th Amendment.
Significantly, the amendment abolished the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, replacing it with the Chief of Defence Forces role, held concurrently by the Chief of Army Staff. Field Marshal Asim Munir was appointed as the first CDF under this new framework. The constitutional reforms also created the four-star post of Commander of the National Strategic Command, responsible for coordinating Pakistan’s strategic forces.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted Lt Gen Syed Aamer Raza to four-star rank and appointed him as the inaugural Commander of the National Strategic Command. This appointment necessitated updates to the National Command Authority Act 2010, which had reflected the previous military command structure.
During the debate, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar described the bills as technical adjustments made with consultation among parliamentary leaders. He emphasized that the office of the Chief of Defence Forces was already established, and the legislation aimed to clearly define its authority. Tarar added that the amendments would clarify ambiguities regarding appointments of the Chief of Defence Forces and the chiefs of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy.
The law minister also addressed controversy over the potential hospital transfer of PTI founder Imran Khan, stating that existing legal provisions are clear. He explained that Article 125 of the Constitution provides a mechanism for medical transfers of prisoners through a medical board, prioritizing government hospitals but allowing for other options if necessary.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari criticized the government for not consulting the opposition before introducing the legislation but expressed his support for the bills. He also faulted the government’s handling of Imran Khan’s medical transfer, noting inconsistencies between initially accepting and later contesting the decision in court.
Opposition Leader in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai echoed concerns about the rushed presentation of the bills, requesting more time for lawmakers to review and debate the legislation. He urged the government to provide copies of the bills several days in advance to facilitate meaningful discussion.
Achakzai further called for a briefing on Pakistan’s regional and foreign policy, focusing on developments involving Iran, the United States, and Afghanistan. He highlighted a reported warning from US President Donald Trump against countries engaging economically with Iran and stressed the need for Pakistan to be fully informed.
He also criticized Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan, recounting a recent visit by opposition lawmakers to the Afghan embassy where senior diplomats from other countries were present, while Pakistan was represented only by a desk officer. He described this as embarrassing and urged for a more serious approach.
Moreover, Achakzai expressed concern over the disproportionate focus on former Prime Minister Imran Khan, stating that even the worst criminals have a right to healthcare. He called for the government to prioritize broader national interests and encouraged cooperation between government and opposition to address the country’s challenges.
The passage of these bills marks a significant step in aligning Pakistan’s legislation with the constitutional reforms introduced by the 27th Amendment, reflecting a restructured military command and strategic framework.
