Parliament passes key bills on Defence Forces Act and National Command Authority
The National Assembly and Senate have passed two important bills by majority vote that relate to the military and the country’s nuclear command structure. Lawmakers approved the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010.
Both houses of parliament endorsed the legislation after the federal cabinet had already approved the draft bills in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The cabinet cleared the measures to create the necessary legal and administrative framework for the office of the Chief of Defence Forces and its headquarters.
These bills are designed to put into effect the changes introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment. That amendment, passed by parliament last November, brought major reforms to the judicial structure and the military command system. It abolished the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and created the new position of Chief of Defence Forces.
Field Marshal Asim Munir, who already serves as Chief of Army Staff, became the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces under the new arrangement. The constitutional changes also provided for the creation of the National Strategic Command. This command is headed by a four star officer and is responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif later promoted then Chief of the General Staff Raza from lieutenant general to four star general and appointed him to lead the newly formed National Strategic Command.
The passage of the Defence Forces Act and the related amendments marks a significant step in aligning the country’s defence institutions with the updated constitutional framework. Lawmakers from both the National Assembly and the Senate supported the bills through majority voting, reflecting broad political backing for the reforms.
Officials say the new legislation will help streamline command structures and improve coordination among the defence services. It also strengthens the legal foundation for the National Command Authority, which oversees Pakistan’s strategic assets.
The federal government had prepared the bills carefully to ensure they fully implement the spirit of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. With parliamentary approval now complete, the laws will provide clear guidelines for the functioning of the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters and the National Strategic Command.
These developments are expected to enhance the overall efficiency and readiness of Pakistan’s defence and strategic forces in line with the country’s evolving security needs.
