RAWALPINDI, Nov 16 (APP): The Pakistan Ex-Servicemen Society (PES) has welcomed recent defence reforms under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, describing them as a key step towards modernising the country’s defence structure, along with the creation of a Federal Constitutional Court.
The 64th meeting of the Society was held here on Sunday, with Lieutenant General (Retired) Abdul Qayyum in the chair. It was attended by PES Senior Vice President Admiral (Retired) Abdul Aleem, Secretary General Commodore Arshad Khan, Chief Organiser Aziz Ahmed Awan, and retired officers and personnel from the armed forces, second-line forces, and defence departments nationwide.
The participants said reforms in the higher defence organisation were “extremely necessary” to make national defence effective in line with modern, digitalised warfare requirements. They welcomed the creation of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) post as a crucial step for central strategic guidance, enhanced joint operational coordination, and improved synergy among the three armed forces.
The meeting also backed the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, saying a separate court would allow the Supreme Court to focus on constitutional matters while reducing delays in ordinary cases.
The PES emphasised that constitutional amendments “fall within the Parliament’s prerogative, but their spirit, particularly the separation of powers, must be preserved.”
On foreign policy, the meeting stressed that a peaceful resolution of issues with Afghanistan was in Pakistan’s national interest and required effective diplomacy and involvement of regional friendly states. It also urged that alleged Indian support for terrorism in Pakistan be raised globally with solid evidence and action at the United Nations and Financial Action Task Force.
Regarding retired personnel welfare, the Society said “as military personnel retire young, a permanent quota should be allocated for them in government departments on merit.” It added that pensions for retired armed forces personnel, sailors, air force members, and widows of martyrs should not fall below the country’s minimum wage.
The PES welcomed the government’s decision to establish a separate pension fund, contributed to by both the state and employees, to be made self-sufficient through investments. It also expressed concern over delays in compensating former personnel affected by recent floods, urging provincial governments to expedite payments immediately.
