Islamabad, December 4, 2025 – President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as Pakistan’s inaugural chief of defence forces (CDF) on Thursday, marking a pivotal shift in the nation’s military leadership under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. This move replaces the abolished Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) chairmanship and combines the role with Munir’s ongoing duties as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), effective immediately for a fresh five-year term.
The appointment underscores Pakistan’s commitment to modernizing its defense structure amid evolving security challenges, strengthening unified command over the armed forces.
Key Highlights
- Historic Dual Role: Field Marshal Munir, promoted to the rank in recent years, now leads both as COAS and CDF, with his tenure reset to five years starting from the notification date under amendments to the Pakistan Army Act 1952.
- Air Force Extension: President Zardari approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, effective March 2026, after his current five-year term ends.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as COAS concurrently as CDF for 5 years, and a 2-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu from 19 March 2026. The President conveyed his best wishes to both. pic.twitter.com/RrIJNCC7I5
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) December 4, 2025
- Prime Minister’s Endorsement: PM Shehbaz Sharif hailed the CDF role as essential for contemporary warfare needs, praising Munir’s leadership in operations like “Marka-i-Haq” that earned global respect for Pakistan’s armed forces.
- Constitutional Backing: The 27th Amendment, passed last month, abolished the CJCSC post on November 27 and created the CDF position to enhance coordination across army, air force, and navy.
- Future Steps: A new National Strategic Command (NSC) commander role is pending, with organogram updates underway at the defence ministry.
Background on the Appointment
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif forwarded the summary to President Zardari earlier Thursday, recommending Field Marshal Munir for the combined COAS-CDF position. The presidency’s press release confirmed the approval, extending best wishes to both military leaders for their service to national security.
Field Marshal Munir, commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment via the Officers Training School Mangla, brings decades of experience. He previously served as Military Intelligence chief in 2017, Inter-Services Intelligence head in 2018, and commanded the Gujranwala Corps before assuming quartermaster general duties at General Headquarters. Appointed COAS on November 29, 2022, his leadership has been credited with decisive victories against adversaries, including the Pakistan Air Force’s dominance in the “Battle of Truth” under ACM Sidhu’s guidance.
https://youtu.be/WX2bLl1axPc?si=WdVyUm7f7EqbBg0k
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar addressed speculation during a press conference, clarifying no delays stemmed from internal differences. “The defence ministry shared the new organogram with the PMO yesterday,” Tarar said, emphasizing seamless coordination post-amendment.
Strengthening Pakistan’s Defense Framework
This restructuring aligns with recent changes to the army, air force, and navy acts, extending service chiefs’ tenures to five years and allowing reappointments. PM Sharif’s statement quoted him as saying, “Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our brave armed forces inflicted a humiliating defeat on the enemy,” highlighting sacrifices that fortify Pakistan’s sovereignty.
Observers note the CDF role will streamline strategic decisions, particularly for nuclear command via the forthcoming NSC appointment under Article 243 of the Constitution. As amendments to the National Command Authority Act progress, Pakistan’s military stands poised for greater unity and readiness.
The appointments reflect the government’s resolve to build an impregnable defense, as PM Sharif affirmed: “We will, together, make the country’s defence impregnable.” With these changes, Pakistan reaffirms its dedication to peace and stability in a complex region.
