Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) while he continues to serve as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), marking a historic shift in the country’s military leadership. The summary has been sent to the President for final approval, the PM Office confirmed on Thursday.
Field Marshal Munir will serve a five-year term, taking on dual roles under newly amended laws that restructure Pakistan’s top defence command. His appointment comes as part of major constitutional and military reforms passed earlier this year.
The prime minister has also approved a two-year extension for Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. His extended term will begin after his current tenure ends in March 2026.
Earlier, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said the delay in notification occurred only because the prime minister was abroad, calling the situation a “storm in a teacup.” He assured that the appointment process was moving smoothly and that there was no legal confusion. Tarar emphasized that Article 243 clearly states that appointments are made on the prime minister’s advice and with the president’s approval.
The law minister also highlighted that the 2024 amendments extended top military tenures from three to five years, with the option of yearly extensions or reappointments.
Recent legislative changes including the 27th Constitutional Amendment, establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court, and updates to the Army, Air Force, and Navy laws have aligned Pakistan’s defence structure with the new framework.
New Role and Powers of the CDF
Under the revised laws, the CDF will officially begin duties from the date of notification. The COAS will hold the CDF position simultaneously, and if elevated to Field Marshal, will perform responsibilities defined under the amended statute.
One major reform is the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee from November 27, 2025. Instead, a Commander of National Strategic Command will be appointed for a three-year term by the prime minister, based on recommendations from the army chief and CDF.
This Commander’s tenure and service conditions will be determined by the prime minister and will not be open to judicial review. The role also exempts the Commander from regular Army Act retirement or service clauses.
With these changes, Pakistan’s military command has entered a new phase, reshaping the country’s highest defence leadership for the first time in its history.
