CDS: Operation Sindoor Forced Pakistan to Abolish Key Military Post and Amend Constitution
Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan into urgent constitutional changes in its defence setup.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has said that Operation Sindoor forced Pakistan to hurriedly amend its Constitution, signaling that the operation did not go in its favour. Speaking at the Pune Public Policy Festival, he noted that such changes are an indirect admission of serious shortcomings exposed during the operation. According to him, Operation Sindoor is currently only paused, not terminated. The developments underline the strategic impact of India’s military actions.
General Chauhan explained that the amendment to Article 243 of Pakistan’s Constitution has led to major changes in its higher defence organisation. While the amendment officially pertains to federal customs courts, it has significantly altered military command structures. These changes, he said, are of particular relevance to India and its armed forces. They provide critical insight into how Pakistan is reshaping its defence leadership.
One of the most significant changes is the abolition of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. This post, originally intended to promote jointness among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, has been replaced by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). However, Pakistan has stated that the CDF can be created only by the Army Chief. General Chauhan said this move contradicts the basic principles of joint military command.
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Pakistan has also created a National Strategy Command and earlier established an Army Rocket Forces Command. From conventional and strategic perspectives, these changes may enhance Pakistan’s military capabilities. However, the CDS pointed out that they also concentrate power heavily within the Army. Strategic, nuclear, and joint operational responsibilities are now largely under the Army Chief’s control.
General Chauhan observed that these reforms reflect a land-centric mindset in Pakistan’s defence planning. He clarified that strategic forces primarily refer to nuclear weapons and related capabilities. Drawing lessons from operations such as Uri, Balakot, Doklam, Galwan, and Operation Sindoor, he said India is moving toward a standardised joint theatre command system. The goal is to ensure a unified and effective response across all future military contingencies.
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