Pakistan Establishes Chief of Defence Forces Role, Munir Appointed

In a landmark development, Pakistan has introduced the position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir to this inaugural role. This new command unifies the leadership of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single authority. Munir will also retain his position as Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), consolidating immense power within the military leadership. The 27th Amendment to the Constitution has been instrumental in establishing this role, removing the retirement age cap for the CDF and setting a five-year term with provisions for further extensions. The President’s office officially announced that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s proposal for Munir to assume both the COAS and CDF responsibilities for five years has been approved. The CDF’s responsibilities include oversight of the National Strategic Command, managing Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and missile defense systems. This strategic realignment centralizes military command and abolishes the former role of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). The decision comes amidst widespread discussion about empowering the military’s top leadership. Furthermore, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu’s service has been extended by two years. Field Marshal Munir’s unique position as the first to hold both the highest military rank and the combined command of COAS and CDF marks a significant chapter in Pakistan’s military history.