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- By Shivangi Sharma
- Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Pakistan on Thursday officially appointed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), marking a historic shift in the nation’s military command structure. The decision, approved by both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari, comes weeks after parliament passed the 27th constitutional amendment, creating the powerful new role to streamline coordination across the army, navy, and air force.
Prime Minister Sharif sent the summary recommending Munir’s appointment to the presidency earlier in the day, and the President’s Office confirmed approval shortly afterwards. According to the formal statement, Munir will serve a five-year term as CDF while continuing as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), consolidating unprecedented authority in Pakistan’s military hierarchy.
The newly created post replaces the now-abolished Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which ceased to exist on November 27 following the retirement of General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. The CDF role centralises strategic command and is intended to strengthen joint operations between the three armed services.
Delay Fuels Speculation Before Appointment
The restructuring of the military had raised questions earlier when Munir’s appointment was not announced immediately after the CJCSC’s dissolution. Political observers speculated about a possible rift between the civilian government and the military leadership. However, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed such claims, stating the notification would come “in due course” after the prime minister’s return from the United Kingdom.
The PMO reaffirmed on Thursday that the summary had been approved and forwarded, ending weeks of uncertainty. President Zardari’s notification stated, “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, is hereby appointed Chief of Defence Forces for a period of five years.”
Munir’s Rise And Controversy Over Expanded Powers
Munir’s elevation follows his recent promotion to field marshal, making him only the second military officer in Pakistan’s history to hold the title, the first being General Ayub Khan, who ruled Pakistan during the 1965 war with India.
The sweeping powers granted to the new CDF have triggered criticism. Legislation passed last month grants Munir lifetime military service and immunity from arrest. Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party has argued that these measures undermine democratic norms and further consolidate military dominance.