Explainer: How the new Defence Forces Act changes military command

Further details of the Defence Forces Act 2026 clarify the sweeping changes to Pakistan's military command structure. The legislation formally establishes the post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), who will preside over a new, unified Defence Forces Headquarters.

The primary goal is to achieve greater integration and joint coordination between the Army, Air Force, and Navy. The CDF will serve as the prime minister’s principal military adviser on defence and national security matters.

Under the new framework, the CDF will have operational command and control over issues requiring coordinated action between the services, such as joint operations and strategic military matters, while remaining responsible to the federal government.

The official justification for the Defence Forces of Pakistan Bill 2026 has been released, citing the need to formalise the synergy between the country's armed services.

According to the bill's 'statement of objects and reasons', Pakistan's response to previous Indian aggression and its counter-terrorism operations were presented as examples of successful integrated tri-services jointness. The legislation aims to build on this synergy by establishing the new command structure.

The bills were reportedly not on the original agenda for the day and were passed through supplementary agendas after receiving approval from the federal cabinet on the same day. In the Senate, PTI, JUI-F and MWM lawmakers also walked out in protest.

The National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, makes consequential amendments to the original 2010 Act. It replaces references to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently serving as the Chief of the Defence Forces. According to the bill, this amendment will be deemed to have taken effect from November 27, 2025.

Following the passage of two key defence bills, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif told media that the legislation was not rushed and contained nothing that warranted extensive debate. He stated that the bills were prepared to align with the most recent constitutional amendment and that the draft was available to all members. Reports also indicated that despite earlier objections from its chairman over a lack of consultation, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) ultimately decided to support the bills.

The Senate on Thursday, August 20, passed the Defence Forces Act 2026 and the National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill 2026. The passage of the two bills by the upper house of parliament completes the legislative process for the new laws.

The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the two bills in a session that saw the opposition stage a walkout. PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, whose party is an ally of the government, also objected to the legislation, stating that no consultation had been held before the bills were presented.

The bills were reportedly not on the original agenda for the day's session. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was present in the assembly when the legislation was approved.

Following approval from the federal cabinet, the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010 are set to be tabled in the National Assembly on Thursday, August 20.

The federal cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday, approved amendments to the Defence Forces Act 2026 and the National Command Authority Act 2010.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the draft legislation is a follow-up to the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The Defence Forces Act 2026 aims to define administrative matters concerning the office of the Chief of Defence Forces and its headquarters.

Following the cabinet's approval, both draft acts will be presented to parliament for approval.