ISLAMABAD: In a historic move, the federal government announced on Thursday the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s inaugural Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The appointment, approved by President Asif Ali Zardari following a summary from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marks a significant evolution in Pakistan’s military leadership framework.
The senior military officer, who was promoted to the prestigious rank of Field Marshal earlier this year, will simultaneously hold the position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) for a tenure of five years. This dual appointment signifies a major restructuring designed to enhance joint military operations and strategic coordination.
The elevation of COAS Munir to Field Marshal Pakistan’s second ever and the first in over sixty years was celebrated following the country’s decisive victory in the recent conflict with India in May.
Ahead of his official appointment, Munir expressed optimism about Pakistan’s future, stating, “From this point forward, Pakistan will ascend to greater heights. Everything is progressing well, and the nation will soar higher.”
In addition, President Zardari approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, whose current five-year term will conclude in March 2026. The president conveyed best wishes to the military leaders for their continued success.
The legislative framework supporting this new military structure was enacted after President Zardari’s approval of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 on November 15. These amendments extend the authority of the rank of Field Marshal to generals promoted to that level, and clarify the powers and responsibilities of the new Chief of Defence Forces.
Under the new laws, the Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) or Deputy Chief of Army Staff could be authorized to exercise the powers of the COAS under written directives, based on recommendations from the CDF. Once the initial notification for the dual office of COAS and CDF is issued, the tenure of the incumbent COAS will be considered to have begun anew from that date.
The legislation also details that the roles and duties of the CDF will encompass multi-domain integration, military restructuring, and fostering jointness across the armed services. Notably, the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) has been abolished and replaced by the Commander of the National Strategic Command. This new position will be appointed by the prime minister for a three-year term, based on recommendations from the COAS or CDF.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment formally removed the CJCSC position, with General (retd) Sahir Shamshad Mirza serving as Pakistan’s last CJCSC.
A Glance at Field Marshal Munir’s Military Journey
Commissioned into the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986, Munir graduated from the 17th Officers Training Course at Mangla, earning the Sword of Honour — the highest accolade for cadets. His career includes key leadership roles such as directing staff at the Command and Staff College, Quetta; brigade major of an infantry unit in Kel; and general staff officer at the GHQ. He served as Chief of Staff of Mangla Corps, and as Quartermaster General at the Army’s headquarters.
Munir has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment and led infantry units in various operations. His strategic roles also include serving as Force Commander in Gilgit-Baltistan and heading Pakistan’s military intelligence agencies, including Director General of Military Intelligence and ISI chief. His last appointments before becoming Army Chief were as Corps Commander Gujranwala and Quartermaster General.
An alumnus of Fuji School in Japan, Malaysian Armed Forces College, and the National Defence University in Islamabad, Munir also holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management. Recognized as the first Army Chief to receive the Sword of Honour, he is known for his sportsmanship, love of reading, travel, and his dedication to faith, being a Hafiz-e-Quran.
