Cabinet approves amendments to laws related to armed forces, judiciary

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Thursday approved amendments to six laws in light of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

The cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved changes to six laws and allowed the introduction of a bill for new legislation in Parliament related to the Federal Constitutional Court.

According to sources, following cabinet approval, the bills will be presented in the National Assembly and later in the Senate for final approval.

Amendments were approved in the three services acts in the context of Article 243. The ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air, and Admiral of the Fleet will be given legal recognition.

The cabinet also approved legislation to establish the post of Chief of Defence Services, as well as for the Commander of the National Strategic Command.

After the meeting, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said that relevant amendments were being made to the Army Act following the creation of a new post through the constitutional amendment.

He said that alongside the rank of Field Marshal, equivalent positions for the Navy and Air Force were also being established.

Under the 27th Amendment, a new Constitutional Court will replace the Constitutional Bench, and the earlier law pertaining to its formation is being withdrawn.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that the amendment has now become part of the Constitution, adding that some necessary legislation will follow.

Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said that after the approval of the constitutional amendment, corresponding changes to relevant laws were required.