ISLAMABAD: Rana Sanaullah, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Political Affairs, has categorically rejected reports suggesting that Nawaz Sharif, leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), was obstructing the issuance of the notification for the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). In an exclusive interview on Monday, Sanaullah clarified that Nawaz Sharif has never voiced any objections regarding the CDF appointment. “His comments are being wrongly associated with this issue. The remarks he made previously were in a different context, and the background was entirely different,” Sanaullah explained.
He further stated that all constitutional amendments related to the new military institution had been approved with Nawaz’s consent in his capacity as party president.
Sanaullah emphasized that a new institution for the CDF was being established, which he described as “very significant.” He added that the official notification would be issued once the Prime Minister returns to Pakistan. “The process involves the constitution, law, and rules each step must be taken carefully.”
He noted that the tenure of the CDF would begin on the day the notification is issued, with a term of five years.
Criticizing PTI for what he called “threats and protests,” Sanaullah said the party could have managed its concerns more constructively.
“Their delegation came to the speaker’s office, and I was present. We told them to wait until the Prime Minister arrived before raising the issue. Just as they left, the Chief Minister issued a threat,” he added.
CDF Notification Considered an Auxiliary Issue
Meanwhile, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar dismissed rumors suggesting delays or obstructions in issuing the CDF notification for Army Chief General Asim Munir. “I believe there is no genuine news at this point. These baseless rumors are being spread without reason,” Tarar told Geo News outside Parliament in Islamabad.
He explained that General Munir’s tenure was already protected through previous legislation, which extended his service until November 2027.
“The new legislation has introduced some supplementary provisions. The official notification for his appointment to the unified position—combining COAS and CDF roles will be issued soon,” Tarar said, assuring that any delays would not cause legal issues or disruptions.
The Law Minister added that the Ministry of Defence would proceed once the Prime Minister returns to the country.
These clarifications come a day after Defence Minister Khawaja Asif stated that the appointment of the CDF would be announced in due course.
“Initiatives related to the CDF notification are underway. The Prime Minister is returning shortly,” Asif posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Currently serving as Army Chief, Field Marshal Munir is also expected to be appointed as the CDF a new post created after the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee through the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The government will define the roles, responsibilities, and functions of both the COAS and CDF, including their duties related to multi-domain operations, restructuring, and ensuring jointness across the armed forces.
