National Assembly passes bill extending tenure of services chiefs

ISLAMABAD: Amid protest by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), the National Assembly on Monday passed a bill to extend the tenure of all service chiefs from three to five years.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif introduced the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 1952, which was passed by majority vote. After the implementation of the law, the tenure of the Army Chief, Naval Chief, and Air Chief will be extended by five years.

“The purpose of these amendments is to harmonize the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, the Pakistan Navy Ordinance, 1961, and the Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953 with the maximum tenure of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Chief of the Naval Staff. Chief of the Air Staff and to make consequential amendments for uniformity in the said rules,” the amendment reads.

The age of retirement and the limit of service prescribed for a General under the rules and regulations made under this Act shall not apply to the Chief of Army Staff during his tenure, reappointment, and/or extension. During this entire period, the Chief of Army Staff shall continue to serve as a General in the Pakistan Army,” the amendment.

Meanwhile, another bill to increase the number of Supreme Court judges from 17 to 34 was also passed.

Prime Minister for Law Nazeer Tarar introduced the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) (Amendment) Act, 2024, which was passed by majority vote.

PTI lawmakers gathered in front of the speaker’s rostrum, tore copies of the bill, and raised slogans.