Asim Munir Assumes Newly Created Top Military Role In Pakistan

Pakistan has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as its first Chief of Defence Forces, taking charge of the country’s newly established top military post. His appointment will run for five years.

As CDF, Munir will exercise unified authority over the Army, Navy and Air Force. He will also oversee the National Strategic Command, which controls Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and missile capabilities, placing him at the apex of the nation’s security structure.

The new CDF role was created last month through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, with the aim of streamlining command and placing all services under a single leadership. It replaces the now-dissolved position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The decision comes after weeks of speculation about whether Prime Minister Sharif would expand Munir’s powers. The government had planned to issue the notification on 29 November, when Munir’s original three-year tenure as army chief was due to end.

President Zardari also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, effective from March 2026, allowing him to continue in his role beyond the usual service period.

Official Statement

The President conveyed his congratulations to both officers and posted on a social media platform.

Taking to X, the President of Pakistan posted, “President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as COAS concurrently as CDF for 5 years, and a 2-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu from 19 March 2026. The President conveyed his best wishes to both.”

Munir, elevated earlier this year to the five-star rank of Field Marshal, now becomes the first Pakistani military leader to serve simultaneously as CDF and COAS.

He is only the second officer in the country’s history to hold the rank of Field Marshal; the first was Ayub Khan, who led Pakistan during the 1965 conflict with India.

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