In a historic move, the federal government on Thursday appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The appointment, approved by President Asif Ali Zardari, follows a summary submitted earlier by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The newly created position marks a significant evolution in Pakistan’s military structure, with Field Marshal Munir set to serve concurrently as Chief of Army Staff for the next five years. The announcement comes after his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal earlier this year — making him Pakistan’s second-ever Field Marshal and the first in over six decades.
Speaking to journalists at Aiwan-e-Sadar just moments before the official notification, COAS Munir said, “Everything is fine; it’s all in front of you. Things are moving towards improvement, and Pakistan will now soar to greater heights from here.”
Alongside this historic appointment, the government also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, which will take effect once his current five-year term concludes in March 2026.
The creation of the Chief of Defence Forces role follows the President’s approval of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 on November 15. The amendments redefine the powers of a Field Marshal under Article 243 and allow the federal government to authorize the Vice or Deputy Chief of Army Staff to act on behalf of the CDF when needed.
A notable change in military hierarchy under the amendment is the abolition of the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), replaced by the Commander of the National Strategic Command. The Commander will be appointed for a three-year term from among serving Pakistan Army generals, based on the recommendation of the COAS/CDF.
A look into Field Marshal Munir’s career
Field Marshal Munir, commissioned in 1986 into the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, is a decorated officer and the first army chief to be awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour. Over nearly four decades, he has held key positions including Director General of Military Intelligence, head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Corps Commander Gujranwala, and Quartermaster General at the General Headquarters.
He has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, an infantry brigade, and served as force commander in the Northern Areas, Gilgit. A graduate of Fuji School, Japan, Command and Staff College, Quetta, and the Malaysian Armed Forces College, Kuala Lumpur, he also holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from the National Defence University, Islamabad.
Known for his dedication to sports, reading, travel, and religious scholarship as a Hafiz-e-Quran, Field Marshal Munir brings a unique blend of strategic expertise and leadership to his dual role.
