COAS Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir takes charge as Pakistan’s first CDF
Pakistan has marked a mjaor shift in its military structure by appointing Fieled Marshal Asim Mnuir as the country’s first Chief of Defense Forces (SDF). Moreover, the new role will be held alongside his existing position as Chief Of Army Staff.
ISLAMABAD: In a landmark development for Pakistan’s defense establishment, the federal government has officially appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first-ever chief of Defense Forces (CDF). The appointment marks a major transformation in the nation’s military hierarchy and centralizes strategic command under a newly created position.
Historic Appointment Approved by President Zardari
The Ministry of Defence issued the notification on Thursday after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment under Article 243 of the Constitution and Clause 8A of the Pakistan Army Act. The approval came following a summary submitted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
According to the notification, Field Marshal Munir will serve a five-year term, which comes into effect immediately. Notably, he will continue to hold his current position as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), effectively combining the leadership of Pakistan’s most powerful military branch with the newly established joint command role.
Consolidation of Defense Leadership
The creation of the Chief of Defense Forces role stems from the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which was specifically introduced to strengthen coordination among Pakistan’s three armed services — the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The CDF is expected to act as the top military authority overseeing joint planning, strategic coordination, and inter-services operational harmony. Officials say this centralization will help streamline long-term defence strategy, modernize command structures, and reduce inter-branch fragmentation.
Defence analysts believe the appointment signals a shift toward a more unified military model similar to those used in major global armed forces.
Continuity in Air Force Leadership
In another significant development, the government has approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, whose tenure was previously set to expire in March 2026. The extension ensures stability in the Pakistan Air Force’s senior command during a period marked by major institutional reforms.
The decision aligns with the government’s broader objective of maintaining continuity across key military leadership positions as the country adjusts to the new defence structure.
Political Leaders Welcome the Move
Reacting to the announcement, Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister, highlighted the importance of the new CDF position. He described it as a “crucial addition to Pakistan’s security architecture” and emphasized that the restructuring is designed to enhance joint military decision-making.
He also dismissed circulating claims about political interference in the appointment process, clarifying that no political leader attempted to block or delay the notification. According to him, the decision was processed smoothly and transparently.
A New Era of Defence Governance
With Field Marshal Asim Munir now officially assuming the dual roles of COAS and CDF, Pakistan enters a new era of military governance. The move is expected to influence operational planning, resource distribution, and long-term defence strategy across all branches of the armed forces.
Experts say the success of this model will depend on how effectively the new joint command system integrates with existing institutional frameworks — and how well it adapts to regional security dynamics in the coming years.
