Field Marshal Gen Asim Munir appointed Chief of Defence Forces for five years

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Gen Syed Asim Munir was appointed Chief of Defence Forces for five-year term after the National Assembly on Thursday unanimously passed amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1952, Pakistan Air Force Act 1953, and Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961.

The National Assembly session was held under the chair of Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, during which the bill to amend the Army Act 1952 was presented. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif introduced the bill, and following a vote, the National Assembly approved it by a majority.

Similarly, amendments to the Pakistan Air Force Act 1953 and Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961 were also presented by Khawaja Asif and passed unanimously by the members of the National Assembly.

Amendments to the Army Act

The Army Act 1952 has been amended in 11 sections. Changes include revisions to Chapter One A, replacing the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the post of Commander of National Strategic Command.

The Chief of Army Staff will now be designated as Chief of Defence Forces, who will serve a five-year term from the date of appointment. Section 8, sub-section 2A of the Army Act has been deleted, and major amendments have been made to Section 8A. These changes were proposed under Paragraph A, Clause 4 of Section 243 of the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar explained that the amendments were introduced to align existing laws with the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

He clarified that the Chief of Defence Forces will serve a five-year term, while some changes have also been made for the Air Force and Navy. Amendments for appointments in the new Constitutional Court have also been approved, with the first appointment to be made by the Chief Justice of Pakistan.

Other legislative business

The National Assembly also passed the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill.

The Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill, introduced by MNA Sharmeela Farooqi, was also approved despite opposition from JUI-F members. MNA Naeema Kishwar requested more time to consider amendments, while MNA Aliya Kamran raised concerns over the bill’s compatibility with Islamic laws. MNA Shahida Akhtar Ali argued that the bill contradicts Article 227 and should not be passed.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, present in the National Assembly, said that a speech he had intended to make yesterday was missed.

He noted that amendments proposed by MQM were supported but could not be included in the bill, promising to resolve the matter in consultation with allied parties.

The National Assembly session was subsequently adjourned until 11 am on Friday.