ISLAMABAD – As Pakistan armed forces witness major restructing, social media posts claimed that Lieutenant General Shakir Ullah Khattak has been appointed as the Vice Chief of Army Staff.
Pakistan Observer check with sources and it turned out to be false and misleading news. Several reports circulating online have suggested that Lt Gen Khattak has assumed the position and hinted that he might place close associates in key police appointments across provinces. However, these claims are misleading.
Official sources have confirmed that no such appointment has been made. Authorities are urging the public to rely only on verified information from credible channels and to avoid sharing unverified reports, which contribute to the spread of disinformation.
This incident shows growing concern over misinformation on social media platforms and the importance of verifying news before dissemination.
Earlier, another fake news showed provision allowing the appointment of Vice Chief or Deputy Chief of Army Staff, has been confirmed as fabricated. Officials said that no such amendment has been made to the Pakistan Army Act (Act XXXIX of 1952).
The picture falsely suggested changes empowering the Federal Government to authorize additional army posts. Government representatives urged the public to rely only on official gazette notifications and to avoid sharing unauthenticated documents on social media.
Pakistan’s federal Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, approved amendments to the Army, Air Force, and Navy Acts to align them with the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The changes, including provisions from Article 243, define the tenure of the Chief of Defence Forces and will abolish the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee after the current officeholder retires. The amendments also formally introduce the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Federal Constitutional Court (Procedure and Practice) Act, 2025.
What Changes have been made to Pakistan’s Army Act? Historic Reforms Explained
