Sidhu likely to be reappointed as air chief for 5 years: sources

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly, where the 27th Constitutional Amendment sailed through on Wednesday, would be adjourned sine-die tomorrow (Friday) after discussing and adopting legislation for framing rules and by-laws regarding three services — Army, Navy and Air-Force in accordance with the constitutional amendment in article 243.

Highly-placed sources told The News here Wednesday evening that the constitutional amendment, finally made part of the book, provides that the prime minister, on the advice of the Chief of Army Staff (also serving as Chief of the Defence Forces), will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command. The office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27, 2025. The appointment of the COAS (Chief of Defence Forces), Chief of Air Staff and Chief of Naval Staff will be made on the advice of the prime minister.

The officers promoted to Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will retain rank, privileges and uniform for life, with future responsibilities determined by the federal government. The strategic military authority to be concentrated under the Chief of the Defence Forces. The officers granted constitutional protection can only be removed through the Article 47 procedure. The presidential immunity under Article 248 have been extended to these officers.

Sources hinted that in recognition of the services rendered by the incumbent Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, he would be reappointed to head the Pakistan Air Force for the period of five years from March next year. The sources also hinted that two more four-star Generals would be appointed in Pakistan Army later this month after promotion of three-star generals. The army will have Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) and Commander of the National Strategic Command. The two will be four-star generals and perform under the Chief of the Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the sources added.