Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has stepped in to calm growing speculation surrounding the notification for Pakistan’s newly created Chief of Defence Forces position, making it clear that the government will issue the formal announcement once the process is complete.

In a post on X, the minister criticised the ongoing chatter as “unnecessary and irresponsible,” confirming that work on the appointment has already begun. “The process has been initiated. The PM is returning shortly,” he wrote, urging the public and media to avoid speculation.

The government introduced the CDF role earlier this month under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, replacing the former Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. According to the amendment, the duties and functions of the COAS and the CDF will be defined by the government, with a focus on multi-domain integration, force restructuring, and strengthening jointness within the Armed Forces.

There is unnecessary and irresponsible speculation about CDF notification. Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly. Notification will be issued in due course of time. No room for any conjecturing. Period!

— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 30, 2025

Field Marshal Asim Munir — currently serving as the Chief of Army Staff — is set to take on the unified position. With this development, he will concurrently serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, a title that will now appear in all official documents, military references, and media reports.

The amendment also resets the COAS’s tenure, which will recommence for five years once the new notification is issued. Additionally, Article 243 will apply to any general promoted to the rank of Field Marshal.

Munir’s elevation to Field Marshal came after Pakistan’s decisive victory over India in the May war, making him the country's second Field Marshal and the first in more than six decades.

The 27th Amendment further brings significant changes, including the introduction of honorary military titles such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet. Importantly, only parliament now holds the authority to reverse these titles or impeach the chiefs of the armed forces.

Another key provision empowers the prime minister to appoint the commander of the National Strategic Command — but only on the recommendation of the CDF, strengthening the centrality of the new role.