ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Defence Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Sunday rejected the speculations regarding the notification of the Chief of Defence Forces and stated that the process has already been initiated.
In a statement on X, the minister said there was “unnecessary and irresponsible speculation” with respect to the CDF appointment. “Please be informed that the process has been initiated,” he said.
He further assured that Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif would be returning soon, and the notification would be issued “in due course of time”, adding: “No room for any conjecturing. Period!”
Notably, the 27th Constitutional Amendment reshaped the command structure of Pakistan’s Armed Forces.
Under the amendment, Article 243 was modified to specify that the President of Pakistan, on the advice of the Prime Minister, shall appoint the Chief of the Army Staff, who would also be designated as the Chief of the Defence Forces simultaneously.
The amendment further extended legal protection to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, but abolished the office of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), thereby centralizing military command under the CDF.
It also stipulates that those officers promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet may retain for life their rank, uniform, privileges, and status.
Exemption accorded to the President under Article 248 will now be extended to the recipients holding these lifetime ranks.
According to the contents of the amendment bill of the Army Act, the Federal Government will determine the roles, privileges, and entitlements of such officers in the national interest.
The Federal Government will appoint the Vice-Chief of Army Staff and Deputy Chief of Army Staff on the recommendation of the Chief of Defense Forces.
The powers and duties of the Vice-Chief of Army shall be exercised in the light of the instructions of the CDF.
