Federal cabinet approves drafts of two bills related to military, nuclear command structure

The federal cabinet in Islamabad approved drafts of two significant bills on Thursday, pertaining to the military and nuclear command structures. The Defence Forces Act, 2026, and the amended National Command Authority Act, 2010, received approval following a federal cabinet meeting held in the nation's capital.

The Defence Forces Act draft builds upon changes made to the Constitution under the 27th Amendment, aiming to determine administrative matters related to the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Defence Forces Headquarters. The National Command Authority Act amendment is a necessary process in light of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which abolished the office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and created the new position of Chief of Defence Forces, held concurrently by the Chief of Army Staff.

Field Marshal Asim Munir became Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces after the constitutional changes.

Amendments to the National Command Authority Act, which still reflect the pre-27th Amendment military hierarchy, are required following the creation of the Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC) post. Gen Syed Aamer Raza was appointed as Pakistan's first CNSC last month, with his appointment necessitating amendments to the National Command Authority Act.

In a televised address to the federal cabinet, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reiterated his offer for talks with the opposition, stating that the government is ready for "meaningful" dialogues with the opposition parties. He invited them to engage in constructive dialogue, emphasizing the importance of working together to support Pakistan's economic progress and strengthen democracy.

However, the government and opposition have been at odds since the 2024 elections, with the PTI demanding a judicial commission to probe the May 9, 2023, and November 26, 2024 protests.

The government has urged the opposition to engage in dialogue, and PM Shehbaz's invitation for talks is the latest development in this ongoing effort. The opposition has responded positively, agreeing to continue discussions on various matters, including the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and the country's political situation.