ISLAMABAD -UNS : The National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces Act 2026 and amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010 by a majority vote, following their approval by the federal cabinet earlier in the day.
The two key defence-related bills were presented before the lower house during its session. Opposition lawmakers staged a walkout during the proceedings, after which the legislation was approved by the treasury benches.
Earlier, the federal cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, approved the draft Defence Forces Act 2026 and proposed amendments to the National Command Authority Act 2010.
According to the government, the Defence Forces Act 2026 has been introduced as part of the legislative changes required following the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
After receiving cabinet approval, both bills were moved in the National Assembly and subsequently passed by a majority.
The legislation is considered significant for Pakistan’s defence and strategic command framework. The National Command Authority plays a central role in the country’s strategic command and control structure, while the Defence Forces Act provides a legal framework relating to the country’s armed forces.
The passage of the bills amid an opposition walkout is expected to generate further political and parliamentary debate over the scope and implications of the new defence-related issue.
