General Anil Chauhan Discusses Pakistan's Military Adjustments and India's Strategic Operations
Key Insights from CDS General Anil Chauhan
On Friday, Chief of Defense Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan made significant revelations regarding the military readiness of both Pakistan and India. Speaking at the 'Pune Public Policy Festival', he stated that India's 'Operation Sindoor' had such a profound impact on Pakistan that it was compelled to amend its constitution in haste.
General Chauhan emphasized that the constitutional changes in Pakistan were a clear acknowledgment of the challenges faced by the neighboring country. He remarked that the recent amendments in Pakistan's constitution indicate that they identified numerous flaws in their military structure during the operation. He noted that Operation Sindoor is currently on hold but not entirely concluded.
Discussing the amendments made to Article 243 of Pakistan's constitution, the CDS pointed out that the position of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee has been abolished, replaced by the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF). He highlighted that this new provision restricts the position to the Army Chief of Staff (COAS), which contradicts the principles of joint command.
General Chauhan further explained that Pakistan has centralized power by establishing a 'National Strategy' command and an 'Army Rocket Force' command. He mentioned that the Army Chief is now responsible for ground operations, joint missions, and nuclear matters. According to him, these changes reflect a mindset that prioritizes the army above all else.
Highlights from CDS's Address
Pakistan's Shortcomings: During Operation Sindoor, Pakistan discovered significant deficiencies in its military and strategic framework.
Constitutional Amendments: To conceal its shortcomings and improve its system, Pakistan resorted to legal and constitutional changes.
Future of the Operation: The operation is not entirely over; it has been strategically paused.
Major Update on Theatre Command: Deadline Set for May 30, 2026
While discussing the proposed 'Joint Theatre Commands' aimed at integrating the country's military capabilities, General Chauhan shared a crucial timeline.
New Deadline: The central government has set a deadline of May 30, 2026, to complete this entire process.
Accelerated Goals: Although the government has provided until 2026, the armed forces are working tirelessly to prepare this framework well ahead of schedule.
Final Stages of the Process: General Chauhan identified this as one of his key responsibilities, stating that the process is currently in its final stages.
What is Theatre Command?
The purpose of Theatre Command is to unify the three branches of the military (Army, Navy, and Air Force) under a single command, enabling swift and coordinated decision-making during wartime or any military crisis.