Pakistan names Asim Munir as first Chief of Defence Forces
Pakistan names Asim Munir as first Chief of Defence Forces
Pakistan appoints Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces, unifying military command under a single leader for five years.
ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has named Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a historic step that places him at the head of a unified military command for a five-year term. The appointment follows the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which created the CDF post and abolished the former CJCSC, intending to streamline decision-making in crises and coordinate the services under a single leadership.
Under the amendment, the CDF will oversee the army and the merged defence staff while Munir continues to serve as the Army Chief in a dual capacity, a setup confirmed by official notices from Islamabad.
Officials said the move is designed to expedite crisis responses and reduce delays in cross-service coordination, a priority in Pakistan's security planning given regional tensions and evolving threats.
Separately, the government extended the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu as Chief of the Air Staff to March 2026, ensuring continuity on the air side.
Analysts describe the creation of the CDF as a significant structural shift in Pakistan's military hierarchy, signaling a move toward centralized leadership. Supporters argue it will strengthen the country’s deterrence and crisis management, while critics caution about concentrating authority.
Munir, appointed COAS in 2022 and given a five-year extension in 2024, now finds himself at the apex of the defense establishment, with civilian oversight maintained through the constitutional and civilian leadership framework. The development is likely to shape defense policy and inter-service coordination for years to come.
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