ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly has passed key bills to increase the number of Supreme Court judges from seventeen to thirty-four, and Islamabad High Court judges from nine to twelve. Additionally, the tenure of service chiefs has been extended from three to five years.
The Assembly approved the Army Act, Pakistan Air Force Act, and Pakistan Navy Act 2024 Amendment Bills, presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, to extend the tenure of all service chiefs.
According to the bill, these amendments are intended to align the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, Pakistan Navy Ordinance, 1961, and Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953 with the extended maximum tenure of the Chief of the Army Staff, Chief of the Naval Staff, and Chief of the Air Staff, ensuring uniformity across these laws.
“The retirement age and service limits set for a General, as outlined in the Rules and Regulations under this Act, will not apply to the Chief of the Army Staff during their appointment, reappointment, or extension,” the bill states. “During this period, the Chief of the Army Staff will continue to serve as a General in the Pakistan Army.”
Once the law is enacted, the tenure of the army chief, naval chief, and air chief will be extended to five years.
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar introduced ‘The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill 2024,’ which was passed by a majority vote.
