PM approves Field Marshal Asim Munir’s appointment as Chief of Defence Forces

The summary has been forwarded to the President’s House for formal approval, says PM's office

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved the summary for the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces. The summary has been forwarded to the President’s House for formal approval.

Field Marshal Munir will hold dual responsibilities as both Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, marking a historic development in Pakistan’s military structure. The appointment is for a term of five years, making Field Marshal Munir the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces.

In addition to this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also approved a two-year extension in the term of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. This extension will take effect after the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.

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.