Major constitutional reforms have been introduced through the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, marking a significant shift in Pakistan’s military command structure. The draft amendment, approved by the federal cabinet on Saturday, aims to streamline the leadership hierarchy of the Armed Forces and consolidate command responsibilities under a single authority.
According to the proposed amendment to Article 243 of the Constitution, the President of Pakistan, acting on the Prime Minister’s advice, will appoint the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), who will also assume the additional title of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This new designation will make the Army Chief the supreme commander of all three branches of the armed forces — the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
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The President will continue to appoint the Chief of the Naval Staff and the Chief of the Air Staff, also based on the Prime Minister’s recommendations. However, the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) — currently responsible for coordinating among the three services — will be abolished effective November 27, 2025. The move will centralize the operational and strategic command within the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces, ensuring unified decision-making across the military establishment.
Under the new framework, the Commander of the National Strategic Command — responsible for overseeing Pakistan’s nuclear assets and strategic operations — will be appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Chief of Defence Forces.
The amendment also includes provisions to honor senior military officers with lifetime honorary ranks, such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Those conferred with these prestigious titles will retain their uniforms, privileges, and ceremonial status for life and will be officially recognized as national heroes. Such individuals may only be removed following the procedure outlined in Article 47 of the Constitution.
Furthermore, Article 248, which grants immunity to the President of Pakistan, will extend to those holding lifetime honorary ranks. The Federal Government will define their official roles, privileges, and entitlements in accordance with the national interest.
If enacted, the 27th Amendment would mark one of the most significant transformations in Pakistan’s military governance, centralizing authority under the Chief of Defence Forces and redefining the structure of the nation’s defence leadership.
