NA Extends Armed Forces Chiefs’ Tenure Amid Opposition Protests

Alongside the military amendments, the assembly

also passed the SC Number of Judges Bill

increasing the number of judges 17 to 34

Web Desk

Islamabad: In a major legislative move, Pakistan’s National Assembly on Monday passed amendments extending the tenures of armed forces chiefs from three to five years. The amendments, covering the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts, were introduced by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and quickly approved by the Senate hours later. The bills now await final approval from President Asif Ali Zardari.

However, the session was marked by intense protests from opposition members, who raised slogans, tore copies of the bills, and surrounded the Speaker’s dais in a dramatic display of dissent. Despite the uproar, the amendments passed by a majority vote.

Key Amendments Approved

The amendments align reappointment and retirement rules across all three military branches, granting the president authority, upon the prime minister’s advice, to appoint, reappoint, or extend the terms of the chiefs for up to five years. The revised laws also remove previous age limits, allowing chiefs to serve beyond the earlier cap of 64 years in case of national security or other critical needs.

Opposition Protests Intensify

Throughout the session, opposition members voiced strong objections to the proposed changes. Opposition lawmakers chanted slogans, stormed the dais, and tore copies of the legislation, accusing the government of undermining democratic principles. As the law minister read out the provisions, opposition protests escalated, with some members engaging in brief physical altercations.

In response, Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf attempted to maintain order, but the protests continued as voting proceeded. The opposition’s fierce objections did not deter the majority from passing the amendments, demonstrating the government’s determination to move forward with the legislative changes.

Judicial Reforms Also Passed

Alongside the military amendments, the assembly also passed the Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill 2024, which will increase the number of judges from 17 to 34. The Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar presented this amendment, citing the need to address the backlog of cases across Pakistan’s judicial centers.

The Islamabad High Court Amendment Bill 2024 was also approved, increasing the number of judges from nine to 12, as well as the Supreme Court (Practice and Procedure) Act, which formalizes the establishment of constitutional benches. This measure, Tarar explained, will expand the judiciary’s capacity to handle constitutional matters and alleviate case backlogs.

Details of the Six Bills Passed

1. Supreme Court Number of Judges (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Increases the number of Supreme Court judges to 34 to expedite case resolutions.
2. Supreme Court Practice and Procedure (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Establishes constitutional benches to handle specific judicial matters.
3. Islamabad High Court (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Raises the number of Islamabad High Court judges from nine to 12.
4. Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Extends the tenure of the Chief of Army Staff from three to five years.
5. Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Similarly extends the tenure of the Air Chief.
6. Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2024: Extends the tenure of the Chief of Naval Staff.

Government Justifies Amendments Amidst Opposition Uproar

Defence Minister Asif and Law Minister Tarar emphasized that these reforms will strengthen institutional stability and continuity. Tarar noted that bar associations across the country had long advocated for an increase in judges to address extensive case backlogs in Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, and Peshawar.

Next Steps

The amendments now await President Zardari’s signature to become law. If approved, these legislative changes will not only standardize military leadership tenures but also expand judicial capacities to address constitutional issues more effectively.

Despite the passage of these bills, opposition leaders have vowed to continue their protests, arguing that the legislative amendments undermine democratic processes and cater to vested interests within the military and judiciary.