Pakistan has pushed through sweeping legislative changes that further tighten the military’s control over the state, effectively cementing Field Marshal Asim Munir’s dominance as the country’s most powerful man. The new Pakistan Army Act Amendments, 2025, along with corresponding changes for the navy and air force, mark a decisive step toward complete military centralisation, leaving the civilian government with little more than symbolic authority.
According to reports, the legislation was tabled in parliament earlier this week and signals a fundamental restructuring of Pakistan’s defence hierarchy. The bill formally establishes the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a position now held by Asim Munir, as the supreme commander of all branches of the armed forces. This move effectively merges the authority of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single command, institutionalising the army’s already dominant role in Pakistan’s power structure.
Munir’s power consolidation
Sources cited in the legislation indicate that the newly created CDF post carries a five-year tenure, beginning from the date of notification. This means Asim Munir could remain in power until November 2030, ensuring his extended control over Pakistan’s military and strategic apparatus.
This move follows the pattern of Pakistan’s long history of military dominance, where generals have repeatedly sidelined elected governments. It also observed that the creation of the CDF role comes just months after the army’s expanded control over internal security and the judiciary, further tightening Munir’s grip on state institutions.
Key changes in the legislation
The most striking feature of the new amendment is the formal recognition of the army chief as the Chief of Defence Forces. Under the new system, the federal government is now legally bound to make senior military appointments only on the recommendation of the CDF.
According to the bill, the Prime Minister will appoint the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) or Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS) solely based on the CDF’s recommendation. The legislation further stipulates that the VCOAS “shall perform his powers and duties strictly in light of the instructions given by the army chief.”
In Section B, the bill explicitly replaces the word “government” with a clause giving authority to the army chief, ensuring that appointments and promotions are decided internally within the military hierarchy.
Even more significant is the clause that abolishes the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which will cease to exist from November 27, 2025. The removal of this post eliminates what was once a symbolic check on the army chief’s power, consolidating all strategic command under Munir’s office.
Control over nuclear and strategic assets
The CDF’s authority will now extend over the National Strategic Command (NSC), which oversees Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and strategic operations. The new law allows the Prime Minister to appoint the NSC commander for a three-year term, again based solely on the recommendation of the CDF.
The legislation also provides that the NSC commander may be reappointed for another term and that such decisions “shall not be challenged in any court.” In addition, the provisions concerning retirement age, tenure of service, or removal under the Army Act will not apply to this post.
This effectively gives Munir lifelong control over Pakistan’s strategic assets, insulating his decisions from any civilian or judicial oversight.
Civilian authority further eroded
The amendments also limit the civilian government’s role in defining the duties and powers of the CDF. Although the bill states that the federal government will “determine the duties and responsibilities” of the army chief, it also bars the government from “restricting these duties and responsibilities in multi-domain areas.”
In simple terms, this means that no elected government can legally constrain the army chief’s authority in any area of national security, intelligence, or foreign policy.
Analysts warn of full militarisation
Analysts argue that these amendments amount to a formal declaration of military supremacy in Pakistan. By eliminating institutional checks and embedding the army chief’s authority in law, the legislation has effectively created a permanent military state.
The amendments also set a dangerous precedent, allowing future generals to entrench themselves in power without constitutional challenge. “The civilian government’s powers have been hollowed out,” one analyst told Moneycontrol, calling the move “a constitutional coup by legislation.”
For Pakistan’s fragile democracy, these changes represent yet another blow. What was once an informal military rule has now become a codified constitutional reality, with Asim Munir holding more power than any leader in Pakistan’s history.
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