Pakistan Army Amendment Bill: Parliament Extends Military Chiefs' Terms As Oppn Fear Growing Influence Of Armed Forces

Pakistan's parliament passed an amendment on Monday to extend the tenure of armed forces chiefs from three to five years, a move expected to solidify the influence of military leaders amid political divides. The legislation, introduced by Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, garnered majority support in a session marked by strong opposition from jailed former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).

The bill, amending the Pakistan Army Act of 1952, was swiftly approved by the Senate and National Assembly, both dominated by a coalition opposed to Imran Khan. Senate proceedings, broadcasted live, saw the amendment passed in 16 minutes. 

PTI lawmakers protested the rapid progression of the bill, with party representative Omar Ayub accusing the ruling alliance of “bulldozing” it through without substantive debate. Some PTI members tore up copies of the legislation in protest, signalling the party’s dissatisfaction with what they see as further entrenchment of military power.

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The amendment allows Army Chief General Asim Munir, who assumed his role in November 2022 and was initially set to retire in 2025, to serve until 2027. Supporters of the amendment argue it will bring continuity and stability to Pakistan's institutions. “Extending service terms to five years aligns with the five-year term for governments, aiding in institutional stability,” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar told Geo TV.

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The law's passage is seen as a setback for Imran Khan, whose strained relationship with military leadership dates back to his 2022 ousting, allegedly orchestrated by then-Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa. 

Although Imran Khan's party won the most seats in February’s election, it failed to secure a majority, allowing the current coalition, led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to form the government. Khan’s supporters, who claim the election was manipulated to keep him from power, have continued to challenge the ruling coalition’s legitimacy, a charge the government and the army deny.

(With Reuters Inputs)