Yesterday, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Pakistan Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu will continue as the head of the Air Force for another five-year term starting March 2026, a newspaper reported on Thursday.
Sidhu, who took command in March 2021, earned national recognition for his leadership during the May 2025 clashes with India. During the conflict, the Pakistan Air Force shot down seven Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, and damaged an eighth.
After the clashes, Pakistan’s National Assembly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The law sets the stage for a major restructuring of the country’s armed forces. It will redefine the rules, ranks, and powers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The amendment gives the Prime Minister the authority to appoint the Chief of Army Staff, who will also serve as Chief of Defence Forces. This position will oversee the Air Force and Navy chiefs. The longstanding post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27, 2025.
Along with Sidhu’s reappointment, Pakistan Army will see key changes. Two new four-star generals will join the top ranks. One will serve as Vice Chief of Army Staff, while the other will lead the National Strategic Command. Both will report directly to Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, centralizing military command.
The amendment also protects senior military positions constitutionally. Officers promoted to Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will keep their uniforms, privileges, and status for life. Their future roles will be determined by the federal government.
This step strengthens leadership continuity and centralizes command at the highest levels of Pakistan’s armed forces.
