Islamabad (TDI): The federal government on Thursday appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), a historic post created to strengthen the country’s military command structure. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment following a summary sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Army Chief Munir, who was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal earlier this year, will also continue to serve as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for a five-year term.
Speaking informally at the Aiwan-e-Sadar in Islamabad just before his appointment, Munir expressed confidence in the country’s future, saying, “Things are moving toward improvement, and Pakistan will now soar to greater heights.”
Simultaneously, President Zardari approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, which will take effect once his current term concludes in March 2026.
The creation of the CDF post follows the president’s approval on November 15 of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025, which amended Article 243 of the Constitution to apply Field Marshal powers to any General promoted to the rank. The legislation also allows the government to authorize the Vice or Deputy Chief of Army Staff to exercise COAS powers under the guidance of the CDF.
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The CDF role will focus on multi-domain integration, restructuring, and ensuring jointness across the armed forces, while the government will define its specific duties and responsibilities.
Field Marshal Munir was commissioned in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986 and trained at the 17th Officers Training Course in Mangla. He has held senior positions including Director General of Military Intelligence, head of ISI, Quartermaster General, and Corps Commander Gujranwala. He has commanded infantry brigades, the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, and served as force commander in Gilgit.
He is a graduate of military institutions in Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan, holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management, and is noted for being a sportsman, avid reader, traveller, and Hafiz-e-Quran.
Following the announcement, congratulations poured in from top political and military leaders. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the appointment as “fully aligned with contemporary and modern warfare requirements” and praised Gen. Munir for strengthening Pakistan’s defense and global standing.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu was also congratulated for his extended tenure, with the prime minister highlighting the Air Force’s achievements in the recent four-day war with India.
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Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti lauded Gen. Munir’s leadership, stating that his appointment as CDF reflects the “aspirations of the nation and national security requirements.” National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq commended his “extraordinarily courageous decisions during the war with India” and said the new post would enhance coordination among Pakistan’s army, navy, and air force.
