ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Parliament on Thursday passed two bills to further strengthen the country’s military and nuclear command structure following their approval by the federal cabinet.
The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026 was approved unanimously by the Senate, with Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announcing the passage of the bill. The upper house also passed the amended National Command Authority Act, 2010.
Earlier, the National Assembly had passed both bills after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the proposed legislation, paving the way for their consideration and approval by the Senate.
Pakistan Cabinet Approves Defence Forces Act
Earlier, Pakistan’s federal cabinet 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 had 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.
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.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chairs the Federal Cabinet Meeting. Islamabad, 20 August, 2026. pic.twitter.com/v2rxO2HpQD
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) August 20, 2026
The move represents a key legislative step towards giving legal and administrative effect to the new defence command structure established following the constitutional amendment.
Also Read: Federal Cabinet Approves Defence Forces Act, National Command Authority Act Draft Amendments
The 27th Constitutional Amendment, enacted in November last year, significantly reshaped Pakistan’s higher defence command structure by abolishing the office of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces, to be held concurrently by the Chief of Army Staff.
Field Marshal Asim Munir became Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces following the constitutional changes.
The amendment also provided for the creation of the Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star position responsible for overseeing the operational integration of the country’s strategic forces.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif promoted Lt Gen Syed Aamer Raza to the rank of general and appointed him as the country’s first CNSC.
His appointment necessitated amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, which continues to reflect the military command structure that existed before the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
