Asim Munir formally appointed as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces

In a sweeping overhaul of Pakistan's military structure, the Shehbaz Sharif government has approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for a five-year term. The top military leader, who was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal earlier this year, will continue to serve as the Chief of Army Staff as well. According to a notification issued by the President's Office, President Asif Ali Zardari cleared Munir's appointment based on a summary forwarded by Prime Minister Sharif. The statement issued read, "President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the summary submitted by the



Prime Minister for the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff, concurrently as Chief of Defence Forces for a period of five years."

The appointment follows the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment last month, which paved the way for creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces. With the introduction of the CDF role, Pakistan has formally abolished the earlier post of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Field Marshal Munir initially assumed charge as Army Chief in November 2022 for a three-year term, which was later extended for five years in 2024.