Services chiefs’ tenure: NA panel approves amendments bills

ISLAMABAD: The National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence on Monday unanimously approved three amendment bills pertaining to the tenure of services chiefs of the armed forces.

The committee was summoned again to discuss the Pakistan Army Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020, Pakistan Navy Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020 and Pakistan Air Force Act (Amendment) Bill, 2020. The meeting presided over by the Amjad Ali Khan was also attended by Minister for Defence Pervaiz Khattak and other members.

The committee had to reconvene just three days afterit initially 'approved' the three bills aimed at regularising the services chiefs’ tenure. The committee had to be summoned again after it was established that the rules and regulations of Parliament were violated in the January 3 session of the committee, reports Geo News.

Speaking to the media, Minister for Defence Pervez Khattak confirmed the passage of the bills. “Congratulations to the nation! Everyone, including the government and opposition, showed unity.” Responding to a question about any amendments to the bills suggested by the opposition, he said these had been discussed. He said the National Assembly will take up the three amendment bills on Tuesday (today).

He was confident that the opposition parties despite their amendments would support the bills in the National Assembly. He said earlier the bills were approved in a joint meeting of Defence Committee of the National Assembly and the Senate. However, he said the opposition parties were of view that rules were violated and there was also no voting on the bills.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly adopted a resolution to suspend private members day on today (Tuesday) to take up the government business. The private members day was deferred to the next day (Wednesday). As per the three amendment bills, the prime minister would be empowered to allow extension or re-appointment of CJCSC and three services chiefs for three years, while the bills on becoming Acts of Parliament would fix retirement age of CJCSC and services chiefs at 64. The extension or re-appointment of CJCSC and three services chiefs would also not be questionable in any court of law.