Islamabad — November 13, 2025:Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday approved key amendments to theArmy Act, paving the way for Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal AsimMunir’s tenure to restart once he assumes charge as the country’s first Chiefof Defence Forces (CDF).
The bill, presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, was passedfollowing the cabinet’s endorsement, along with parallel amendments tothe Navyand Air Force Acts.
During the session, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified that the CDFwill serve a five-year term, beginning from the date of formalappointment. He stated that under the new provisions, “the tenure shallcommence from the date of notification of the said office,” effectivelyrestarting Field Marshal Munir’s term upon his transition to the new role.
According to the amendment, the Chief of the Army Staff, who willconcurrently serve as the Chief of Defence Forces under Article 243 ofthe Constitution, will have his tenure recalculated from the issuance ofthe notification for the new post.
The law also empowers the government to define the duties, powers, andfunctions of the COAS and CDF — including overseeing multi-domainintegration, force restructuring, and enhancing joint operations amongPakistan’s armed services.
Additionally, the new framework authorizes the army chief/CDF to recommendthe appointment of the National Strategic Command (NSC) Commander, aposition that may be extended for a three-year term.
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In another significant change, the COAS will now have the authority to appointa Vice Chief or Deputy Chief of Army Staff to assist in operational andadministrative matters.
The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) — a posttraditionally responsible for coordinating inter-service matters —will be abolishedeffective November 27, marking a major shift in Pakistan’s militarycommand structure.
The restructuring represents one of the most significant overhauls inPakistan’s defense hierarchy in decades, centralizing joint command under asingle office to enhance coordination and strategic efficiency across allbranches of the armed forces.