ISLAMABAD, November 4, 2024: The Senate has approved a pivotal bill that amends the laws governing Pakistan’s armed forces, extending the fixed tenure of service chiefs to five years.
This legislative move followed the National Assembly’s earlier approval and was presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif.
The amendments aim to align the Pakistan Army Act of 1952, the Pakistan Navy Ordinance of 1961, and the Pakistan Air Force Act of 1953, establishing a uniform maximum tenure for the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and Chief of Air Staff (CAS).
Key provisions of the bill include the maximum tenure for service chiefs is increased from three to five years, with adjustments made to sections 8A and 8B of the Pakistan Army Act.
The amendments to Section 8C stipulate that the retirement age of 64 years and other service limits will not apply to service chiefs during their tenure, allowing them to continue serving as generals throughout their time in office.
In addition to the army act, both houses of parliament also ratified amendments to the Pakistan Air Force Act and the Pakistan Navy Amendment Bill, further solidifying this standardized approach for the leadership of the armed forces.