Sat Nov 08 14:08:27 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text, focusing on the key events and context:

Pakistan Moves to Consolidate Military Command with New Constitutional Amendment

Islamabad – Pakistan’s government introduced a significant Constitutional amendment on Saturday, November 8, 2025, proposing the creation of a Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) to enhance coordination and unified command within the armed services. The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill, presented to Parliament by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar, seeks to modify Article 243 of the Constitution, impacting the structure and appointment processes within the military.

Under the proposed changes, the President will appoint both the Army Chief and the newly created CDF on the Prime Minister’s advice. The Army Chief, who will also hold the CDF position, will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command in consultation with the Prime Minister. The head of the National Strategic Command will be from the Pakistan Army, it adds. The amendment also allows for the promotion of officers to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, with the Field Marshal rank held for life. The government will be able to promote individuals from the armed forces to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet. The rank and privileges of Field Marshal will be for life, meaning that Field Marshals will remain Field Marshals for life.

The bill says that the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will expire on November 27, 2025.

According to local media, this move is reportedly motivated by lessons learned from a recent, intense four-day conflict with India in May 2025, and the need for a more integrated operational response in modern warfare.

The sweeping amendment also includes provisions to establish a Federal Constitutional Court, alter the process for appointing high court judges, and adjust the threshold for provincial cabinets.

The bill was approved by the cabinet earlier in the day, during a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via video link from Azerbaijan.

The bill has been referred to the Standing Committees on Law and Justice for review and consideration. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani encouraged joint meetings for a thorough examination of the proposed changes.

Opposition parties, particularly the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), voiced concerns about the timing and process of the amendment. PTI leader Ali Zafar argued that debating the amendment was inappropriate with a vacant leader of the opposition seat. He also highlighted that the opposition only received the draft on Saturday and had not yet had time to review it adequately.

“We cannot debate something we have not read,” he stated, suggesting the Senate be treated as a committee as a whole for a more comprehensive discussion.

The potential implications of this constitutional shift are significant, setting the stage for a potentially transformed military structure and civil-military dynamic in Pakistan.

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