Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a farewell meeting with outgoing Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. He praised General Mirza’s professional skills and his service to the nation. The meeting came after the 27th Constitutional Amendment ended the CJCSC position.
The amendment, passed by Parliament, now assigns the Chief of Army Staff the new post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) with a five-year tenure. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza was allowed to retain the CJCSC post until the end of his service. The change also removes CJCSC references from Army, Navy, and Air Force laws.
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During a National Assembly session, the government presented four bills, including the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force Amendment Bills 2025. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif introduced the military bills, which were approved by a large majority. These amendments formally established the CDF position and phased out the CJCSC role.
Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar also introduced the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025, which was approved by Parliament. He explained that the changes in Article 243 and related laws were aimed at restructuring military command. The National Strategic Command (CNSC) post was created to replace CJCSC responsibilities.
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Under the amendment, the Prime Minister, on the Army Chief’s recommendation, will appoint the CNSC Commander for three years. The tenure can be extended for another three years, also on the Army Chief’s recommendation. Similar amendments were made in Air Force and Navy regulations to remove references to the CJCSC post.