ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari today gave his assent to three key military amendment bills — a move that formalised the reset of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir’s tenure following his elevation as Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF). The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Pakistan Navy (Amendment) Bill, 2025, have now become part of the Constitution.
The development came a day after the Senate passed four bills linked to the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment, paving the way for a major overhaul of Pakistan’s judicial structure. Acting swiftly, the government proceeded with appointments to the newly created Federal Constitutional Court (FCC).
Justice Aminuddin Khan was sworn in as the first chief justice of the FCC at a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr. President Zardari administered the oath, which was attended by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahaya Afridi, top military leadership, federal ministers, and members of the legal community.
During his oath, Justice Aminuddin pledged to discharge his duties in accordance with the Constitution and the law, adding that he would act without fear or favour and safeguard the Constitution under all circumstances.
In a parallel development, the president accepted the resignations of Supreme Court Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah, who stepped down on Thursday after criticising the new legislation as contrary to the 1973 Constitution. Their resignations were confirmed through an announcement on the president’s official X account.
The president also appointed six judges to the FCC under Article 175-A read with Article 175-C. The judges include Justice Syed Hasan Azhar Rizvi, Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice KK Agha, Balochistan High Court Chief Justice Rozi Khan Barrech, and retired Justice Arshad Hussain Shah. Justice Karim Khan Agha is expected to take oath today, completing the seven-member bench.
Government sources indicated plans to expand the FCC’s strength to 13 judges through parliamentary approval.
