ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s parliament gave a fresh five-year tenure to the country’s army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, through the 27th constitutional amendment on Thursday, elevating him to the new post of chief of defense forces (CDS).
Munir’s original three-year tenure as army chief was set to expire on Nov. 27 this year. However, the government last year passed an amendment to a law increasing the tenure of the heads of the armed forces from three years to five. This extended his term in office till Nov. 27, 2027.
The 27th constitutional amendment, which introduces sweeping changes to Pakistan’s judicial and military command structure, appoints Munir to the parallel post of CDS. This means he will be the commander of not just Pakistan’s army but also its air force and navy. The CDS will be appointed for five years and as per the fresh amendments, the field marshal and Pakistan’s president will enjoy lifetime immunity from criminal prosecution.
As President Asif Ali Zardari gave assent to the bill of amendments, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced changes to the Pakistan Army Act in parliament on Thursday. This effectively gives Munir five more years as Pakistan’s army chief and CDS. His term will now expire in November 2030.
