ISLAMABAD: The Senate has passed amendment bills related to the army, air force, navy, and the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025 through a majority vote.
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar introduced legislation to amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, in line with structural changes brought by the 27th Constitutional Amendment. These revisions were approved by the Senate with a majority vote.
The amendments reflect significant changes under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which reshaped the structure of the armed forces. The position of Chief of Army Staff will now be renamed Chief of Defence Forces, with a five-year term beginning from the date of appointment.
Additionally, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be replaced with a newly established role titled Commander of National Strategic Command.
These legal reforms aim to adjust existing laws, including the Pakistan Army Act 1952, Air Force Act 1953, and Navy Ordinance 1961, to align with the constitutional restructuring.
The Senate’s endorsement of these amendment bills marks the completion of the legislative process required for these constitutional reforms, enabling the appointment of Asim Munir as the first Chief of Defence Forces for a five-year term.
The Senate also passed other related amendments, including the Pakistan Air Force Amendment Bill 2025 and additional updates to the Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961. The proposed changes to the Navy Ordinance were presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Furthermore, the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025, introduced by Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, also received approval.
Senators Humayun Mohmand from PTI and Kamran Murtaza from JUI-F opposed these bills, calling for them to be referred to a committee. However, after consulting the House, the Senate chairman proceeded with a vote, and the amendments were passed by a majority.
Earlier, on Thursday, the National Assembly had unanimously approved similar amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1952, Pakistan Air Force Act 1953, and Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961.
During a session chaired by Speaker Ayaz Sadiq, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the amendments to the Army Act 1952. Following a vote, the National Assembly approved the bill with a majority decision.
