The federal government is considering creating a powerful new position known as the Commander of Defense Forces (CDF). This plan is part of the proposed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which aims to unify Pakistan’s Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command. The new position would bring stronger coordination and joint operations between the three branches of the armed forces.
Purpose Behind the Proposed Commander Role
Officials believe the new CDF role would ensure more effective decision-making and faster military responses. The idea reportedly came after several conflict simulations with India showed the need for better inter-service coordination. In modern warfare, where air, sea, and ground forces must act together, this new role could help Pakistan strengthen its overall defense structure and national security.
Amendment to Article 243
The 27th Amendment is expected to revise Article 243 of the Constitution, which currently gives the federal government control over the armed forces, while the President serves as the supreme commander. The proposed change would modernize this framework to meet today’s defense challenges. It would also clarify the command hierarchy and define the responsibilities of the newly proposed Commander of the Defense Forces.
Statement from the Defense Minister
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed on November 5 that consultations are ongoing about the amendment. He said the goal is to make Pakistan’s defense structure more flexible and updated. “Discussions on Article 243 are ongoing. Defense requirements have changed, and the process will be completed through mutual consultation,” he explained. This shows the government’s intention to involve all stakeholders before making a final decision.
PPP’s Conditional Support for the Amendment
The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has shown partial support for revising Article 243 but opposes many other parts of the 27th Amendment. After a long Central Executive Committee meeting, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said the party had authorized him to hold talks with the government. However, he emphasized that the PPP would not back any changes that reduce provincial financial powers or affect the National Finance Commission formula.
New Titles and Strategic Commands
Among the proposed reforms, one suggestion is to rename the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and create a new Strategic Forces Command. Reports also mention a proposal to give the army chief the honorary title of Field Marshal following Pakistan’s claimed success against India earlier this year. These titles are intended to honor military leadership and reflect a more unified defense system for the country.
Establishment of a Constitutional Court
The government also plans to form a new Constitutional Court as part of the same amendment. This court would start with seven judges and have a retirement age of 68 years, three years higher than Supreme Court judges. Justice Aminuddin Khan is being considered as the first Chief Justice. The move is seen as part of a broader plan to reform Pakistan’s judicial structure and reduce political tensions within the existing courts.
Other Key Reforms Under Review
Additional reforms being discussed include the reintroduction of executive magistrates, the transfer of judges between courts, and returning education and population planning to the federal government. There are also talks about changing how members of the Election Commission of Pakistan are appointed. The government has assured that the 27th Amendment Bill will only be presented in Parliament after completing consultations with coalition parties and key political groups.
