Islamabad, Dec 5: Pakistan has formally appointed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), officials said on Friday. President Asif Ali Zardari approved Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation, granting Munir a five‑year term in the newly created role.
Munir will continue to serve as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while concurrently holding the CDF position, consolidating command across Pakistan’s armed forces. The appointment follows the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which established the CDF post to centralize military leadership.
Munir, promoted to Field Marshal earlier this year, is only the second officer in Pakistan’s history to hold the title after Gen. Ayub Khan. His elevation is seen as a significant shift in Pakistan’s defence structure, giving him unprecedented authority over the army, navy, and air force.
Officials also confirmed that Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu has been granted a two‑year extension in service, effective March 2026. Observers said the changes mark a historic moment in Pakistan’s military hierarchy, underscoring efforts to strengthen centralized command and streamline defence operations.
