The federal government is reportedly considering introducing a new top-tier military position titled “Commander of Defense Forces (CDF)” as part of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, aiming to unify and modernize Pakistan’s defense command structure.
A Unified Command for Modern Warfare
According to officials familiar with the development, the amendment would revise Article 243 of the Constitution to establish a single integrated command overseeing the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The newly proposed CDF position would coordinate joint military operations and enhance inter-service synergy.
Sources say the move was inspired by lessons learned from recent conflict simulations with India and the evolving nature of modern warfare, where joint-force responses and real-time coordination are increasingly critical.
Reforms Under Review
While the full draft of the 27th Amendment has not yet been made public, government sources confirm that comprehensive reforms to Pakistan’s defense management and command system are actively being discussed.
Currently, Article 243 stipulates that the federal government controls the armed forces while the President serves as the supreme commander. The proposed changes would update this structure to reflect current strategic realities and operational requirements.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on November 5 that the consultations are ongoing.
“Discussions on Article 243 are in progress. Defense requirements have evolved, and the process will be completed through mutual consultation,” he said.
This marks the second constitutional amendment attempt by the ruling Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) during its current tenure.
PPP’s Conditional Support and Points of Contention
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has expressed conditional support for revising Article 243 but remains opposed to other proposed sections of the 27th Amendment.
After a detailed Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari told reporters that the party had authorized him to negotiate with the government on the matter.
Bilawal revealed that the amendment draft includes:
- Renaming the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee;
- Establishing a Strategic Forces Command;
- Conferring an honorary Field Marshal title on the army chief following Pakistan’s claimed success in a recent military standoff with India.
However, the PPP firmly opposes changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) Award, which determines provincial shares in federal resources.
“We support reforms that strengthen national defense, but the PPP will not compromise on provincial autonomy or financial rights,” Bilawal emphasized.
Proposal for a Constitutional Court
In a significant judicial reform move, the government also plans to establish a Constitutional Court under the same amendment. The proposed court would have seven judges with an extended retirement age of 68 years, compared to 65 for Supreme Court justices.
Justice Aminuddin Khan is reportedly being considered as the first Chief Justice of the new court, which officials describe as a step toward modernizing Pakistan’s judicial framework and resolving constitutional disputes more efficiently.
Other Key Proposals Under Discussion
The 27th Amendment is expected to include several additional governance reforms, such as:
- Reintroducing executive magistrates;
- Allowing rotation and transfer of judges between courts;
- Restoring federal control over education and population planning;
- Revising appointment procedures for the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
Government insiders stress that the amendment bill will only be presented to Parliament after consultations with coalition partners are finalized.
“This is a long-term reform package — not just a defense realignment but a comprehensive structural modernization effort,” an official involved in the drafting process told reporters.
In other news also read about UK & Pakistan Military Chiefs Hint at Major Defence Breakthrough; What’s Coming Next?
