New Delhi: In Pakistan, major changes have been made in the structure related to the army and the country’s nuclear command. On Thursday, the National Assembly approved two important bills, through which it is proposed to organize the command and powers of the army in a new way. Under the new laws, the post of Chief of Defense Forces i.e. CDF has been made more powerful. This post is currently held by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
After the 27th constitutional amendment last year, Pakistan started the process of changing its military structure. Under this, the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was abolished and a new post of Chief of Defense Forces was created. Through this post, arrangements have been made to bring the command of the armed forces under a new structure. As CDF, Asim Munir will have huge responsibility and authority in many important matters related to the army.
Defense Forces Headquarters will be built
Under the proposed law, the way has also been cleared for the establishment of Defense Forces Headquarters. This headquarters will serve as the main military center of the Pakistan Armed Forces and will be commanded by the CDF. The CDF will play the role of chief military advisor to the Prime Minister on matters related to national security, defense and armed forces. They will also have important powers related to the operation, command and control of the armed forces. In these matters the CDF will be answerable to the federal government.
Rights related to service and retirement will also be available
Under the new provisions, the CDF will be given the authority to take many decisions related to officers and employees falling under the ambit of the Armed Forces Act. He will be able to take decisions related to someone’s retirement, accept or reject resignation and, if necessary, can also decide to remove someone from service or retain him in service. Apart from this, CDF will also have the right to give relaxation in the prescribed age of retirement or service period.
New post for National Strategic Command
The post of Commander of the National Strategic Command i.e. CNSC has also been included in the revised structure. Last month, General Syed Aamir Raza was promoted from Lieutenant General and appointed the first commander of this post. In the presence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif presented the Pakistan Defense Forces Act, 2026 and the Amended National Command Authority Act, 2010 in the National Assembly. After getting approval from the Lower House, both the bills will now be sent to the Senate for further processing. This development has happened at a time when there are reports of increasing protests and tension against the Pakistan government in PoK.