PM Shehbaz Sharif had forwarded a summary to the President’s House for formal approval, as per official release
Field Marshal Asim Munir. Photo: ISPR
Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces after a formal approval from President Asif Ali Zardari.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif earlier approved the summary for the appointment and forwarded it to the President’s House for formal approval, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s office on Thursday.
Field Marshal Munir will hold dual responsibilities as both Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), marking a historic development in Pakistan’s military structure. The appointment is for a term of five years, making Field Marshal Munir the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces.
In addition to this, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has also approved a two-year extension in the term of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. This extension will take effect after the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.
Earlier, Federal Minister for Law, Azam Nazeer Tarar has clarified that the appointment of the CDF is currently in process and the notification could be issued at any time. They also explained that the delay was due to the absence of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif from the country.
Azam Nazeer Tarar, speaking at a press conference in Islamabad, explained that the notification for the CDF could not be issued because the Prime Minister was not in the country. He described the situation as a “storm in a teacup” and reassured that the matter would be resolved soon. “The teacup storm will soon cool down,” he said.
Tarar further emphasised that the issue is still in the process and could be finalised at any time. He also clarified that there is no ambiguity in Article 243, nor in the laws governing the Army, Navy, or Air Force. “The law clearly stipulates that the appointment will be made based on the prime minister’s advice and the president’s approval,” he stated.
Minister added that amendments made in 2024 had extended the term of office from three to five years. The changes also allowed for an extension, either immediately or on a yearly basis, with the possibility of reappointment.
Tarar also mentioned that instructions had been shared with the Ministry of Defence regarding the simultaneous appointment of both the Chief of Army Staff and the CDF. He assured that the notification would be issued soon and urged an end to political speculation around the matter. “There is no political issue here,” he said.
Last month, the parliament approved the 27th Constitution Amendment Bill, 2025, introducing significant changes to Pakistan’s judicial and military frameworks, including the establishment of a Federal Constitutional Court with equal representation from all provinces. President Zardari signed the Bill into law, following its approval by both houses of parliament.
Later, the National Assembly approved amendments to the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, Pakistan Air Force Act, 1953, and Pakistan Navy Ordinance, 1961, with a majority vote to bring the laws governing the armed forces in line with the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
New powers defined for CDF
The new amendment provides that the CDF’s tenure will begin from the date of notification. The COAS will simultaneously serve as the CDF. In case a General is promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, he will perform duties as outlined under the amended clause.
The amendment also introduces changes in Section B, replacing the term “government” and providing that appointments will now be made based on the recommendation of the army chief.
Under Clause 8G of the amended Act, the position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee was abolished, effective November 27, 2025. In its place, the prime minister, on the recommendation of the army chief and CDF, will appoint a Commander of the National Strategic Command for a three-year term.
Read More: COAS Asim Munir to serve five years as CDF
The prime minister will determine the service conditions and tenure of the Commander, who may be reappointed for another three-year term upon the recommendation of the CDF. The appointment, reappointment, or extension of the Commander will not be subject to judicial review.
The bill also stipulates that the retirement age, service tenure, or removal clauses under the Army Act will not apply to the Commander National Strategic Command, who will continue to serve as a General in the Pakistan Army while performing his duties in the role.
