In a landmark move for Pakistan’s military hierarchy, Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed as the inaugural Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This pivotal appointment, spanning five years, was greenlit by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration and confirmed by President Asif Ali Zardari. Field Marshal Munir, already serving as Chief of Army Staff, will now concurrently hold the highest position overseeing all branches of the Pakistani military. The establishment of the CDF role is a direct result of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which officially replaces the position of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Munir’s journey to this apex role began with his appointment as Army Chief in late 2022 for a three-year term, subsequently extended for five years in 2024. Meanwhile, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu has also received a two-year extension to his service, set to begin after his current term concludes in March 2026. This strategic leadership consolidation aims to streamline military command and control.
