Archive · 5 Dec 2025
Pakistan Appoints First Chief of Defence Forces
Pakistan has appointed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as its first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for five years.
He will also continue as the Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
This appointment was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari after a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The new role of CDF was created to centralise military command and improve coordination among the army, navy, and air force.
Additionally, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu received a two-year extension, starting from March 19, 2026.
Asim Munir is only the second military officer in Pakistan's history to hold the rank of Field Marshal.
There was some controversy when the government delayed the notification of Munir's appointment, with some suggesting the Prime Minister was avoiding the decision.
Critics argue that granting sweeping powers and immunity to the CDF undermines democracy.
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir appointed as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for a 5-year term.
Munir will concurrently serve as Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment, following a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The CDF role was established under the 27th Amendment to centralise military command and improve coordination among the army, navy, and air force.
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu received a 2-year extension, effective from March 19, 2026.
- Who
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir
- What
- Appointed as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)
- When
- Approved on December 4, 2025, with a 5-year term
- Where
- Pakistan
- Why
- To centralise military command under the 27th Amendment to the Constitution
Government and Military Leadership
Opposition and Critics
Immunity and Powers
Government and Military Leadership
The government and military leadership support the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which grants the CDF immunity from arrest and lifetime service in uniform, arguing it is necessary for national security and efficient military command.
Opposition and Critics
Critics, particularly from the party of imprisoned former premier Imran Khan, argue that granting sweeping powers and immunity to the CDF undermines democracy and concentrates too much power in the military.
- Appointee
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir
- Position
- Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS)
- Term
- 5 years
- Extension Approved
- Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu (2 years from March 19, 2026)
- Constitutional Amendment
- 27th Amendment
- Historical Context
- Second Field Marshal in Pakistan's history after Gen. Ayub Khan
- Replaced Position
- Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC)
- Objective of CDF
- Improve coordination among the army, navy, and air force, and expedite decision-making in critical situations
Sources
Asim Munir Becomes Pakistan's First Chief Of Defence Staff
Pakistan's President Zardari Approves Asim Munir's Appointment As First Chief Of Defence Forces
Asim Munir Becomes Pakistan's First Chief Of Defence Forces
Pakistan appoints Field Marshal Asim Munir as first Chief of Defence Forces
Asim Munir appointed Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces, to continue as Chief of Army Staff as well
Asim Munir becomes more powerful, elevated as Pak's 1st Chief Of Defence Forces
Pakistan formalises Asim Munir’s powerful new military role as Chief of Defence Forces
Asim Munir becomes Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces
Pakistan’s Big Military Shake-Up: Is Asim Munir Now the Most Powerful Man in the Country?
