Senate passes bill redefining Gen Asim Munir’s role as CDF for five years

ISLAMABAD: The Senate has approved the amendment bills related to the army, air force, navy and the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025 with a majority vote.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar presented a bill to further amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 in light of changes introduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment concerning the structure of the armed forces. The Senate approved the bill with a majority vote.

The amendments align with the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which brought major structural changes in the armed forces as the post of Chief of Army Staff will now be re-designated as the Chief of Defence Forces, and will serve a five-year term from the date of appointment.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is being replaced with a new post of Commander of National Strategic Command.

 These amendments were introduced to align existing laws (Army Act 1952, Air Force Act 1953, Navy Ordinance 1961) with the constitutional changes.

The Senate’s approval of these amendment bills completes the necessary legislative changes required by the constitution-level reform, paving the way for the appointment of Asim Munir as Chief of Defence Forces for a five-year term.

The bills passed by the Senate also include the Pakistan Air Force Amendment Bill 2025 and the bill seeking further amendments to the Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961.

The bill to amend the Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961 was presented by Khawaja Asif. The Senate also approved the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was introduced by Federal Minister Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry.

PTI Senator Humayun Mohmand and JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza opposed the bills and demanded that they be sent to committee. However, the Senate chairman sought the opinion of the House, after which the bills were passed with a majority vote.

Earlier, 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.