Five-Year Tenure of Services Chiefs Already Fixed, No New Legal Action Required: Govt Sources

Islamabad: Government sources have clarified that the five-year tenure of the services chiefs is already a settled matter under existing law, and no fresh legal action is required.

According to officials, following legislation passed on November 4, 2024, the tenure of all services chiefs was fixed at five years. Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, appointed on March 19, 2021, is currently in his fourth year of command and will continue until March 19, 2026, under the law. In May this year, the government also announced that his services would be retained upon completion of the term. Similarly, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, appointed on November 29, 2022, will serve until November 29, 2027.

The clarification comes amid speculation in certain circles over whether the Army Chief will retire in November this year. Officials stated that some elements are spreading unnecessary rumors and propaganda to create confusion.

A Ministry of Law source reaffirmed that the November 2024 amendments made it clear that all three service chiefs will serve a full five-year term after their appointment. The legislation, passed by Parliament, formally extended the tenure from three to five years through amendments to the Pakistan Army Act, Navy Ordinance, and Air Force Act.

Under the amended laws:

* The **Pakistan Army Act 1952** now states that the Army Chief’s tenure will be five years, with retirement age and service limits not applicable to appointment, reappointment, or extension.
* The **Pakistan Navy Ordinance 1961** specifies the Naval Chief’s tenure as five years, with similar exemptions.
* The **Pakistan Air Force Act 1953** confirms the Air Chief’s five-year tenure, also exempt from standard retirement rules.

Officials emphasized that the matter stands legally settled, and the chiefs will serve their full terms as per the law in force.