The passage of Pakistan’s 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill in 2025 marks a historic transformation in the country’s civil–military framework. It not only redefines Article 243 of the Constitution — which governs the command of the Armed Forces — but also restructures the nation’s top military hierarchy by abolishing the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and introducing the new position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

The post of CJCSC was established in 1976 under the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Act during Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure. Its purpose was to ensure coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, especially in strategic planning and joint operations. The position was largely ceremonial compared to the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), who retained direct control over the country’s largest and most influential branch — the Pakistan Army.
Over nearly five decades, 18 officers served as CJCSC — the majority from the Army.
15 officers from army 2 from navy and only 1 officer from PAF served on this position.
This limited rotation reflected the Army’s institutional dominance within Pakistan’s defence establishment.
The fresh 27th Amendment formally abolishes the CJCSC position. The amendment specifies that upon the expiry of the current incumbent’s term, no new CJCSC shall be appointed. Instead, all responsibilities previously exercised by the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will now fall under the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Under the new structure, The Army Chief (COAS) will concurrently hold the title of CDF, making him the constitutional head of all three services.The Prime Minister, as per Article 243, will continue to be the supreme civilian authority for appointments and command of the Armed Forces, but in practice, the CDF will centralize operational control and strategic oversight.A new Commander of National Strategic Command (CNSC) post will also be created to oversee Pakistan’s nuclear and strategic assets, appointed by the Prime Minister on the CDF’s recommendation.
At one hand the amendment’s proponents argue that it will streamline command and improve inter-service coordination, critics warn that it could erode the institutional autonomy of the Navy and Air Force.
The creation of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) marks a decisive centralization of Pakistan’s military command, positioning the CDF above all service chiefs and effectively making the Chief of Army Staff the singular operational head of the Armed Forces. This move blurs the line between a genuinely “joint” structure and one dominated by the Army, diminishing the traditional balance among the three services. With the dissolution of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, the Navy and Air Force lose a key institutional platform for strategic input, potentially reducing their role in national defence planning. Although supporters argue that this model enhances efficiency and mirrors systems like that of the United States, Pakistan’s approach differs fundamentally, as the CDF is not a neutral coordinator but simultaneously the Army Chief. Consequently, while the amendment may strengthen institutional coherence and streamline command, it also risks consolidating military authority within a single office.

With the 27th Constitutional Amendment, Field Marshal Asim Munir is set to become Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces, ushering in a new era of unified — but heavily centralized — military command. The role of CJCSC has been central to Pakistan’s military decisions since its creation in 1976. While historically dominated by Army officers, recent reforms driven by the 27th Amendment aim to ensure more balanced representation and enhanced cooperation among all services. As Pakistan continues to adapt its military strategy, the evolution of the CJCSC role and the creation of a new rank reflect a deliberate move toward a more unified and capable defence structure.

About Author
Tauqeer Ahmad is a seasoned analyst and practicing lawyer with eight years of experience, holding degrees in Media and Law from the University of the Punjab, Lahore. Recognized for his informed perspectives, he specializes in Pakistan’s military history, political affairs, border security, constitutional matters, and broader defence and strategic studies. His research interests extend to international relations and contemporary military developments in the Middle East. As a committed writer, he regularly contributes in both Urdu and English, offering in-depth analysis that reflects his command over regional security dynamics and geopolitical affairs.