Field Marshal Asim Munir appointed country's first Chief of Defence Forces

PM Shehbaz Sharif had forwarded a summary to the President's House for formal approval, as per official release

Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed the country's first Chief of Defence Forces after a formal approval from President Asif Ali Zardari.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier approved the summary for the appointment and forwarded it to the President’s House for formal approval, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's office on Thursday.

The appointment, which will last for five years, marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s military history, as Field Marshal Munir becomes the first individual to hold the newly established position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). He will now serve as both the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and CDF, a rare distinction in the country’s military hierarchy.

In addition, the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu has been extended by two years, following the completion of his five-year term in March of 2026. The extension has been approved by both the prime minister and the president.

With the formal approvals, the Ministry of Defence is also expected to issue the official notification of these appointments shortly.

Separately, speaking informally with journalists at the President’s House during a meeting between President Asif Ali Zardari and Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov, Field Marshal Munir expressed strong optimism about Pakistan’s future, stating that the nation is heading towards progress and growth.

“Everything is fine, everything is in front of you,” Munir stated, adding that things are moving in a positive direction. “Things are heading towards improvement, and Pakistan is now set to soar to greater heights,” he said.

PM Shehbaz congratulates Field Marshal Asim Munir

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated Field Marshal Asim Munir on his appointment as Pakistan's first-ever Chief of Defence Forces, a role he will hold alongside his position as COAS. In a statement, PM Shehbaz expressed his best wishes for Munir, praising the decision as an alignment with the modern demands of warfare.

“The appointment of CDF is in line with the requirements of contemporary and modern military strategies. It will further enhance the country’s defence capabilities,” the PM stated. He also acknowledged the bravery of Pakistan’s armed forces under Munir's leadership, particularly in defeating the enemy in crucial battles.

“Under Field Marshal Asim Munir's leadership, our courageous forces have dealt a decisive blow to the enemy. Their achievements in the battlefield have brought honour to Pakistan and earned it respect on the global stage,” the PM added.

In addition, the PM congratulated Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu for his two-year extension in office. “Under Sidhu’s leadership, the Pakistan Air Force has showcased exemplary professionalism, destroying enemy aircraft and asserting dominance in the air," said Shehbaz.

The PM called for the collective effort of all national institutions to work together for the defence, development, and prosperity of Pakistan, promising to make the country’s defence invincible. “We will strengthen our defence to make it invulnerable,” he added.

Earlier, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar has clarified that the appointment of the CDF is currently in process and the notification could be issued at any time. They also explained that the delay was due to the absence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from the country.

Speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, Tarar explained that the notification for the CDF could not be issued because the prime minister was not in the country. He described the situation as a "storm in a teacup" and reassured that the matter would be resolved soon. "The teacup storm will soon cool down," he said.

He further emphasised that the issue is still in the process and could be finalised at any time. He also clarified that there is no ambiguity in Article 243, nor in the laws governing the Army, Navy, or Air Force. "The law clearly stipulates that the appointment will be made based on the prime minister’s advice and the president's approval," he stated.

The minister added that amendments made in 2024 had extended the term of office from three to five years. The changes also allowed for an extension, either immediately or on a yearly basis, with the possibility of reappointment.

Tarar also mentioned that instructions had been shared with the Ministry of Defence regarding the simultaneous appointment of both the COAS and the CDF. He assured that the notification would be issued soon and urged an end to political speculation around the matter. "There is no political issue here," he said.

Last month, the Parliament approved the 27th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025, introducing significant changes to Pakistan’s judicial and military frameworks, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court with equal representation from all provinces. President Zardari signed the Bill into law, following its approval by both houses of parliament.

Later, the National Assembly approved amendments to the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953, and Pakistan Navy Ordinance, 1961, with a majority vote to bring the laws governing the armed forces in line with the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

New powers defined for CDF

The new amendment provides that the CDF’s tenure will begin from the date of notification. The COAS will simultaneously serve as the CDF. In case a General is promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, he will perform duties as outlined under the amended clause.

The amendment also introduces changes in Section B, replacing the term “government” and providing that appointments will now be made based on the recommendation of the army chief.

Under Clause 8G of the amended Act, the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was abolished, effective November 27, 2025. In its place, the prime minister, on the recommendation of the army chief and CDF, will appoint a Commander of the National Strategic Command for a three-year term.

Read More: COAS Asim Munir to serve five years as CDF

The prime minister will determine the service conditions and tenure of the Commander, who may be reappointed for another three-year term upon the recommendation of the CDF. The appointment, reappointment, or extension of the Commander will not be subject to judicial review.

The bill also stipulates that the retirement age, service tenure, or removal clauses under the Army Act will not apply to the Commander National Strategic Command, who will continue to serve as a General in the Pakistan Army while performing his duties in the role.