ISLAMABAD — Pakistan moved closer to formalising military command structure in decades, as National Assembly approved legislation designed to give sweeping new powers and a legal framework to the newly created office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The legislation, approved by majority vote on 20 August 2026, seeks to translate the military restructuring introduced by the 27th Constitutional Amendment into detailed law. A second bill amending the National Command Authority Act 2010 was also approved, bringing the country’s strategic and nuclear command framework into line with the new hierarchy.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif introduced measures during a session chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Opposition lawmakers strongly objected to the legislation and walked out of the chamber in protest, raising concerns over the parliamentary process and the limited time available to examine the proposed changes.
The bills now move to the Senate, where they must secure approval before the new statutory framework can be fully enacted.
At heart of reforms is formalisation of CDF, a position created by the 27th Constitutional Amendment after the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) post. The new system places the Chief of Army Staff in the CDF position concurrently. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir became Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces on 4 December 2025, while retaining command of the Army.
The proposed Defence Forces Act gives the CDF a far broader institutional role than simply serving as a coordinating figure between the services. CDF would oversee matters concerning the organisation, administration and command of Pakistan’s armed forces within the authority granted by law. The position would also serve as a senior military adviser to the prime minister on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces.
The proposed framework divides authority between the CDF and the federal government. Certain powers would be exercisable directly by the CDF, while other decisions would require government approval. The legislation also gives the CDF authority to issue orders, directions, regulations and other instruments needed to implement the new military command framework.
The bill provides powers relating to the organisation of the armed forces and, under applicable laws, certain personnel matters. These include issues involving retirement, release, dismissal, resignations and retention of military personnel, subject to the restrictions laid down in law.
The arrangement is intended to create a more integrated military command system while preserving the federal government’s role over matters requiring political or executive approval.
The legislation provides the legal and administrative basis for CDF Headquarters, establishing an institutional structure around the new office.
The headquarters is expected to support the CDF’s joint-command responsibilities and facilitate coordination between the Army, Navy and Air Force. It would also contribute to the military advice provided to the prime minister on defence and national-security matters.
The federal government would retain authority over the formulation of rules and regulations needed to implement the legislation and determine specific responsibilities attached to the new command structure.
Nuclear Command Structure
The changes do not stop at conventional military command. National Assembly simultaneously approved amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010, the law governing key elements of Pakistan’s strategic and nuclear command architecture.
The amendments are intended to replace the former CJCSC-linked arrangements with terminology and institutional roles reflecting the new CDF structure. The CDF would also be incorporated into the National Command Authority framework.
The move effectively links Pakistan’s newly reorganised military hierarchy with the country’s existing strategic command system.
The wider restructuring produced position of Commander of the National Strategic Command, a four-star post associated with the integration and oversight of Pakistan’s strategic forces. General Aamer Raza was appointed to the position in July 2026. Under the reported framework, the prime minister appoints the commander on the recommendation of the COAS/CDF for a three-year term, with the possibility of one extension.
The proposed Defence Forces Act would come into force once formally enacted. Existing orders, instructions and notifications issued before implementation would continue to have legal effect unless subsequently changed.
The legislation is also reported to have retrospective application linked to the constitutional changes introduced in November 2025, potentially providing statutory cover for arrangements that have operated since the restructuring began.
The bill contains provisions for dealing with uncertainty over its interpretation or conflicts involving other laws. In specified circumstances, the president would have a role in resolving such questions.
The legislation is not yet fully enacted. Senate approval remains necessary before the proposed framework can become operative law.
With approval from upper house of parliament, the measures would formally embed post-2025 military command structure into Pakistan’s statutory system, giving the CDF a defined legal identity, institutional headquarters and expanded responsibilities while connecting the office to the country’s strategic and nuclear command architecture.
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