ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Thursday approved the draft Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010, paving the way for legislation to establish the legal and administrative framework for Pakistan’s post-27th Constitutional Amendment defence command structure.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif chaired the cabinet meeting in Islamabad, where the draft legislation was approved for presentation before Parliament during its ongoing session.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the proposed Defence Forces Act has been prepared as a follow-up to changes introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The legislation seeks to define administrative arrangements relating to the office of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and the Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters, providing a statutory framework for the newly established defence command structure.
Amendments to National Command Authority law
The cabinet also approved proposed amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010. The government described the amendments as a necessary legislative measure following the constitutional changes introduced through the 27th Amendment.
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The amendments are intended to bring the existing legal framework governing the National Command Authority into line with the revised constitutional and defence command arrangements.
Draft laws to go before Parliament
Following cabinet approval, both the Defence Forces Act 2026 and the amended National Command Authority Act 2010 will be presented before Parliament for consideration and approval.
The move represents a key legislative step towards giving legal and administrative effect to the new defence command structure established following the constitutional amendment.
Parliament is currently in session, and the government is expected to proceed with the proposed legislation as part of the implementation process for the constitutional changes.
