ISLAMABAD: Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said on Monday that the government would issue the long-awaited notification appointing Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) in the coming days, adding that the army chief was already “holding the office in all respects”.
The CDF post — created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment — replaces the now-abolished office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which formally ceased to exist on Nov 27. The new position merges the roles of the CJCSC with those of the army chief, making it a dual-hatted appointment at the apex of the country’s defence structure.
On Sunday, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif had also confirmed that the notification would be issued “in due course of time”, urging the public to avoid speculation. However, the delay has drawn attention due to its proximity to Nov 29 — the date on which the original three-year tenure of the incumbent army chief was set to expire.
‘Nothing to worry about’
Speaking to reporters at the Pakistan National Arts Council, the law minister said all official processes required for the notification were underway.
“The notification will happen; there’s nothing for you or me to worry about. He’s holding the office in all respects,” he said.
Tarar added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — currently in London and expected to return today — would complete the required paperwork upon his arrival. “Once the PM returns, everything should happen,” he noted.
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He also clarified that the Defence Ministry is responsible for issuing the CDF notification and must coordinate with the Prime Minister’s Office to finalise it.
Transition complications
The government moved swiftly last month to pass the 27th Amendment, restructuring Pakistan’s higher defence organisation. However, the delay in issuing the notification has — according to officials and observers — caused discomfort within the top military hierarchy and disrupted what planners had hoped would be a seamless transition.
There is unnecessary and irresponsible speculation about CDF notification. Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly. Notification will be issued in due course of time. No room for any conjecturing. Period!
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 30, 2025
Another key decision still pending is the appointment of the National Strategic Command (NSC) commander — a new four-star position created to take over the nuclear management responsibilities previously held by the CJCSC. Officials believe the appointment will be made only after the CDF notification is released.
Meanwhile, amendments to the National Command Authority (NCA) Act also remain outstanding. These changes will need to account for the abolition of the CJCSC, the creation of the CDF and NSC commander roles, and the new chains of command.
According to officials, the structural changes could prove complex, particularly regarding the future representation of the Pakistan Air Force and Pakistan Navy chiefs in the NCA, once their strategic commands fall under a unified NSC commander.
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