 "Security personnel stand beside a poster of Pakistani Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir in Islamabad. Rumours are swirling that the Pakistani army chief is preparing to oust President Asif Ali Zardari. File image/AFP")
After being hit hard by India during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan is considering the creation of a new top military post — the Commander of Defence Forces (CDF) — as part of major defence reforms aimed at improving coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force following its recent conflict with India in May, Pakistan-based The News reported on Friday.
According to the report, the proposed position would be established through an amendment to Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution.
The move is said to have been influenced by the heavy damage Pakistan suffered during the four-day conflict and the growing need for unified command structures in modern warfare.
India’s Operation Sindoor and cross-border clashes
India had launched Operation Sindoor on 7 May in response to the 22 April Pahalgam terror attack, which was orchestrated by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The Indian military carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas. The clashes ended on 10 May after both sides agreed to cease hostilities.
Last month, Indian Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said that around a dozen Pakistani aircraft, including US-made F-16s, were destroyed or damaged in the strikes, adding that Pakistan sought an end to the conflict after facing severe losses.
Satellite images also indicated heavy damage to Pakistani bases, runways, and military establishments.
Pakistan’s internal military reshuffle
In the aftermath, Pakistan promoted Army Chief General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal — only the second officer in the country’s history to receive the title.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirmed that discussions are underway to amend laws governing the armed forces. “Consultations on amending Article 243 are ongoing (…) defence requirements have changed,” he told Geo News.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced on Tuesday that the government plans to introduce the 27th constitutional amendment in Parliament, which would revise Article 243 — currently placing supreme command of the armed forces under the President and control under the federal government.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsConditional political support and proposed reforms
The Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), led by President Asif Ali Zardari, has extended conditional support to the move. “The party has authorised me to offer conditional backing for the amendment,” PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said Thursday.
As per reports, the proposed reforms include renaming the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, establishing a Strategic Forces Command, and granting the current army chief the permanent rank of Field Marshal — moves that follow Pakistan’s claimed but unverified ‘victory’ over India.