Pakistan government extends Army Chief's tenure, changes retirement rules

The Pakistan government amended the Pakistan Army Act of 1952 on Monday, extending the Army Chief's tenure from three to five years and removing the retirement age for four-star generals. The amendments, which quickly passed through both houses of Parliament, also exempt the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) from standard retirement age and service limits during any period of appointment, reappointment, or extension.

KEY CHANGES TO MILITARY TENURE, RETIREMENT RULES

Previously, Section 8C of the Pakistan Army Act capped the Army Chief's age at 64 for appointment, reappointment, or extension. However, under the revised laws, this age ceiling has been removed, allowing the COAS to serve without a maximum retirement age during any official tenure. The amendments specify that these rules apply solely to the COAS position and do not affect other military roles.

Similar amendments were made for Pakistan's Navy and Air Force, effectively removing retirement limits for their respective chiefs during their terms.

The recent changes will directly impact General Asim Munir, the current COAS. Originally appointed in November 2022, General Munir was scheduled to retire in November 2025 under the previous three-year tenure rule. Now, he could potentially serve until 2027 or beyond if further extensions are granted, thereby reinforcing his influence over Pakistan’s military and strategic decisions. General Munir, who has held key intelligence and military positions, will now have an additional two years, with possible further extensions.

PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE, OPPOSITION PROTESTS

The amendments were passed at an unprecedented speed, with the bills presented and approved by majority vote in both houses on Monday evening. Opposition leaders protested, accusing the government of pushing through critical amendments without adequate debate or transparency. They argued that these changes could set a dangerous precedent, enabling a concentration of power and limiting turnover among senior military leaders.

Opposition members expressed concerns over the implications for democratic oversight and accountability, questioning the limited parliamentary scrutiny. “These amendments allow indefinite extensions and create the risk of politicizing the armed forces,” one opposition lawmaker remarked during the protests.

GOVERNMENT’S JUSTIFICATION FOR AMENDMENTS

The government defended the amendments as necessary for stability and continuity in Pakistan’s security leadership amidst regional tensions. Officials argued that by extending military chiefs' tenures and lifting retirement age restrictions, the armed forces would be better positioned to address national security challenges without leadership disruptions.

The amendments also formalise a practice observed in recent years, where senior military leaders' tenures have been extended due to specific security needs. Government representatives assured that the new rules are narrowly targeted, applying only to the top leadership and not the general officer corps.

BROADER IMPLICATIONS FOR CIVIL-MILITARY RELATIONS

These amendments underscore the strong influence of the military in Pakistan’s governance and have sparked debate on civil-military relations in the country. While supporters argue the changes promote stability, critics fear they may further tip the power balance in favor of the military, reducing civilian oversight.