Pakistan's National Assembly passes defence, nuclear command bills amid opposition walkout

Pakistan's National Assembly yesterday (20 August) passed two bills concerning the country's military and nuclear command structure, amid an opposition walkout and objections from the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), an ally of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N).

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, according to Dawn. The opposition walked out as the bills were introduced.

According to Dawn, PPP Chairperson Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticised the government for the manner in which the legislation was presented, although PPP lawmakers later voted in favour of both bills.

Addressing the National Assembly, Bilawal said he supported the legislation but objected to the government's failure to consult its ruling allies.

"I personally apologise for what is happening to you," he said, referring to the prime minister, as well as "ruling allies and the opposition". 

He asked why legislation that was not controversial was being made controversial.

The bills were not included on the National Assembly's agenda for the day. They were approved earlier by the federal cabinet at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who was also present in the assembly when the bills were presented.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the legislation was prepared following changes made under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, enacted in November last year, abolished the office of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and created the position of chief of defence forces (CDF), which the chief of army staff concurrently holds.

Field Marshal Asim Munir subsequently became Pakistan's first CDF. The constitutional changes also created the post of commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star position overseeing the operational integration of Pakistan's strategic forces. Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz appointed Gen Syed Aamer Raza as the first CNSC after promoting him from lieutenant general.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026 seeks to establish the Defence Forces Headquarters and define administrative matters relating to the CDF and its headquarters. According to a draft of the bill obtained by Dawn, the CDF would serve as the principal military adviser to the prime minister and have operational command and control of the armed forces.

The National Assembly session was later adjourned until 11am on Friday (21 August).

Before the bills were presented, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq suspended proceedings for 15 minutes over the absence of ministers of and parliamentary secretaries during question hour. He also summoned officials from the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination and warned that further absences could lead to a privilege motion.