Pakistan Amends Constitution: Creates Chief of Defence Forces Position After Operation Sindoor Conflict with India

Asim Munir was elevated to Field Marshal following the aftermath of India's Operation Sindoor in May.

Pakistan implemented a Constitutional amendment on Saturday to establish a new position of chief of defence forces, aimed at enhancing coordination and creating a unified command structure across the three military services.

The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill introduced in parliament seeks modifications to Article 243, which primarily governs matters related to the armed forces.

According to the proposed amendment, the President will appoint both the Army Chief and the Chief of Defence Force based on the Prime Minister's recommendation.

The Chief of Army Staff, who will simultaneously serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, will be responsible for appointing the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister. This position will exclusively be filled by an officer from the Pakistan Army.

The amendment enables the government to elevate military personnel to prestigious ranks including Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Notably, the rank and privileges associated with Field Marshal will be permanent, continuing for the lifetime of the individual.

The legislation specifies that the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will cease to exist on November 27, 2025.

Local media reports from Friday suggest that this legislative change was inspired by lessons learned during the four-day conflict between Pakistan and India in May, recognizing the evolving nature of modern warfare that necessitates an integrated operational response.

In retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. This military action led to four days of intense exchanges before hostilities were suspended through an understanding reached on May 10.

Air Chief Marshal A P Singh revealed last month that approximately twelve Pakistani military aircraft, including American-made F-16 jets, were either destroyed or damaged during Indian strikes.

Indian officials maintain that Pakistan requested an end to hostilities in May after significant damage was inflicted on Pakistani military infrastructure by Indian forces.

Following the conflict, the Pakistani government promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, making him only the second military leader in the nation's history to receive this prestigious designation.

Beyond military reforms, the 27th Constitutional Amendment bill also proposes establishing a Federal Constitutional Court, revising the process for high court judicial appointments, and adjusting the requirements for provincial cabinet formation.

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented the bill in the Senate shortly after receiving cabinet approval. He explained that the legislation contains 49 clauses addressing "three main areas and two ancillary" subjects, covering five key areas overall.

Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani referred the bill to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for thorough review and consideration. He indicated that these committees might conduct joint sessions to facilitate comprehensive assessment before presenting their report to the House.

Opposition party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's representative Ali Zafar expressed concerns about debating the constitutional amendment while the opposition leader's position remained vacant. He suggested that the government and its allies appeared rushed to pass the legislation.

"I would suggest that instead of sending it to the committee, let this Senate be treated as a committee as a whole," Zafar proposed, advocating for broader debate involving all members.

The PTI leader further noted that opposition members had only received the draft that same day and had not had sufficient time to review its contents. "We cannot debate something we have not read," he emphasized.

Earlier that day, before the Senate session began, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had chaired a cabinet meeting remotely from Azerbaijan, according to state-run PTV News. The broadcast reported, "The federal cabinet approved the draft for the 27th Constitutional Amendment and welcomed it to the fullest extent."