ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s defence bills were cleared by both houses of parliament on Thursday after the federal cabinet approved the legislation earlier in the day.
The National Assembly passed the Defence Forces Act 2026 and the National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill by majority vote.
The Senate later unanimously approved the Defence Forces Act. Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani announced the result before the upper house also passed the National Command Authority amendment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had chaired the cabinet meeting that endorsed both measures.
The Defence Forces Act creates the legal and administrative framework for the office of Chief of Defence Forces and its headquarters.
The National Command Authority legislation amends the 2010 law to reflect changes introduced through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Read: Pakistan Considers New ‘Commander of Defence Forces’ Role in Constitutional Reform
Parliament passed that amendment in November 2025. It abolished the office of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, and created the post of Chief of Defence Forces.
Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir subsequently became Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces.
The amendment also provided for a National Strategic Command, led by a four-star officer, to oversee the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces. The Senate adjourned until 10:30 am on Friday after passing the legislation.
