Islamabad, Pakistan: The Federal Cabinet has approved the draft of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and after that the Minister of Law and Justice briefed the media on the features of the amendment.
After the cabinet approval, the draft amendment will be presented in the parliament. One of the most important feature of 27th Constitutional Amendment is the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces and National Strategic Command — A Symbol of Pakistan’s National Security and Defence Strategy.
Appointing the Army Chief concurrently as the Chief of Defence Forces on the advice of the Prime Minister reinforces constitutional civilian control and establishes a clear chain of command. This ends the division of authority and dual leadership, speeds up decision-making, and clarifies responsibility. The appointment on the advice of the Prime Minister is in full accordance with Articles 48 and 243 of the Constitution.
Abolishing the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is essential because this position was largely consultative and held no real operational command.
Pakistan’s defence doctrine is fundamentally land-centric, overseen by the Army Chief. This is because, on one hand, there is a constant threat from India driven by the Hindutva ideology and its Akhand Bharat narrative, and on the other hand, Pakistan has faced over two decades of terrorism from the western border — fueled by Khawarij militants, Indian sponsorship, and Afghan Taliban facilitation. Therefore, land power remains central to all national security responses. In this context, appointing the Army Chief as Chief of Defence Forces is the most appropriate and strategically sound decision. It will enhance institutional efficiency and bring unity in wartime strategy.
The Commander of the National Strategic Command will be appointed by the Prime Minister on the recommendation of the Army Chief (Chief of Defence Forces). This aligns with the nuclear command structure, the National Command Authority, and the Strategic Plans Division. This mechanism ensures secure, professional, and politically interference-free decision-making in matters of nuclear and strategic security.
The ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet are reserved only for officers who have rendered historic service to the nation. Constitutionally allowing these ranks to be retained for life is a lasting recognition of national honour. It is important to clarify that lifelong rank does not mean lifelong appointment or command tenure — the tenure of their command will still end after a defined period.
Retaining uniform, privileges, and rank is part of the nation’s institutional memory. Such officers can only be removed under Article 47, which proves they are not above the Constitution but remain answerable under it. Providing legal protection similar to Article 248 gives them safeguards like those of the President, protecting the rank from political victimisation.
Even after completion of their tenure, the State may assign them strategic, military, or diplomatic roles to benefit from their experience and ensure institutional continuity. Determination of their salaries and privileges by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister reflects constitutional discipline, loyalty to the State, and institutional dignity.
These amendments are not about individuals or concentrating power. They are meant for constitutional clarity, professional restructuring of defence institutions, strengthening federal authority, and ensuring continuity of national security.
