Chief of Air Staff of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu is likely to be honoured with the title of Marshal of the Air Force for his extraordinary leadership during the recent conflict with India in May 2025.
The post has been introduced in the latest changes in Article 243 under the 27th constitutional amendment, which wasapproved by the National Assembly a day earlier.
If granted, he would be the first Chief of Air Staff to receive this prestigious distinction.
Reports suggest that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Babar Sidhu is also likely to be reappointed for another five-year term, starting in March next year, in recognition of his invaluable services.
Also read: 27th Constitutional Amendment proposes lifetime Field Marshal rank: Law Minister
Sidhu, who assumed command on March 19, 2021, had already received a one-year extension in March 2024.
In addition, the Pakistan Army is expected to appoint two more four-star generals, one of whom will serve as the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCAS) and the other as the Commander of the National Strategic Command. Both officers will work under the leadership of Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly will discuss and approve new rules and regulations for the three branches of the military—Army, Navy, and Air Force—following the approval of the 27th constitutional amendment.
This legislative change, in line with the recent amendment to Article 243 of the Constitution, stipulates that the Prime Minister, upon the recommendation of the Chief of Army Staff (who also serves as the Chief of Defence Forces), will appoint the Commander of the National Strategic Command.
Also read: 27th Amendment: All you need to know about Commander of Defence Forces post
Additionally, the post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished from November 27, 2025. The prime minister will now have the authority to recommend the appointments of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Air Staff, and Chief of Naval Staff.
The constitutional amendment ensures that those promoted to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, or Admiral of the Fleet will retain their uniform, privileges, and rank for life, with their future responsibilities being determined by the federal government.
The amendment also grants these high military officers constitutional protection, making it difficult for them to be removed except under procedures outlined in Article 47, and extends the immunity previously held by the President to these officers under Article 248.
