The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces Act 2026 along with amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010, hours after the federal cabinet approved the proposed legislation.
The two bills were presented during a session of the lower house and passed by a majority after opposition lawmakers staged a walkout.
The legislation marks an important development in Pakistan’s defence-related legal framework, particularly because the government has linked the Defence Forces Act 2026 to changes introduced under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
Earlier in the day, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, approved the draft Defence Forces Act 2026 as well as proposed amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010.
According to the government, the Defence Forces Act 2026 has been prepared as part of the legal changes required following the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
After securing cabinet approval, the legislation was taken to the National Assembly, where both measures were approved by a majority.
The opposition, however, walked out during the proceedings.
The National Command Authority occupies a central position in Pakistan’s strategic command structure, while legislation governing the country’s defence forces carries significant institutional and national security implications.
