NA Approves Bills Expanding CDF Powers
News Desk
Islamabad: The National Assembly (NA) on Thursday approved two key defence-related legislative measures aimed at restructuring the command and legal framework of Pakistan’s armed forces following the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The Defence Forces Act Amendment Bill 2026 and the National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026 were passed by majority vote after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the House. The opposition protested the suspension of the normal agenda and later walked out after being denied an opportunity to raise objections.
The Defence Forces legislation formally establishes the position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) under Article 243 of the Constitution and provides for the creation of a Defence Forces Headquarters, to be headed by the CDF.
Under the proposed framework, the Chief of Army Staff will also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, giving the office a broader role in the command and control of the armed forces.
The CDF will have powers relating to the organisation and administration of the armed forces and will be able to advise the prime minister on national security and military matters. The legislation also allows additional powers to be delegated to the CDF with the approval of the prime minister.
The proposed law further authorises the CDF to formulate rules and regulations and issue instructions and orders concerning matters falling within his mandate. It also provides for a government mechanism governing the exercise of delegated powers.
A separate amendment to the National Command Authority Act 2010 seeks to replace references to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the Chief of Defence Forces. The CDF will also become a member of the National Command Authority.
The amendments propose fixing the term of the Chairman National Command Authority at five years, with provisions allowing an extension. Changes have also been proposed to the authority’s composition and key positions.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar told the House that the legislation was intended to align the existing legal framework governing defence command with the constitutional changes introduced through the 27th Amendment. He said the new structure replaces the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the Chief of Defence Forces within the legal framework.
The bills were approved after the opposition protested against the suspension of the House’s regular agenda. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq declined to give the opposition the floor, saying members had already been given extensive opportunities to speak on points of objection during the previous three days.
The opposition subsequently left the chamber in protest as tension rose in the House.
Earlier, the federal cabinet had approved both draft bills. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the Defence Forces Act 2026 was prepared to provide the administrative and legal framework for the office of the Chief of Defence Forces and the Defence Forces Headquarters following the constitutional changes.
The National Command Authority amendments were described as a necessary legislative adjustment following the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The legislation will now move to the Senate for consideration and approval.
Ahead of the National Assembly session, the PML-N leadership had directed its lawmakers to maintain full attendance to ensure the government had the required numerical strength for passage of the bills.
