In a landmark development for Pakistan’s defense landscape, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formally submitted the summary to President Asif Ali Zardari, seeking approval for the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the nation’s inaugural Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This move, rooted in the recently enacted 27th Constitutional Amendment, signals a transformative shift in the country’s military command structure.
Field Marshal Munir, who currently holds the position of Chief of Army Staff, is poised to take on the newly created CDF role for a five-year term. This dual responsibility underscores his pivotal leadership in safeguarding national security. The amendment, signed into law by the President, establishes the CDF as a supreme military authority, overseeing joint operations across army, navy, and air force branches to enhance coordination and strategic efficacy.
Parallel to this, Prime Minister Sharif has greenlit a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, effective upon the conclusion of his existing five-year tenure in March 2026. This decision aims to ensure continuity in aerial defense capabilities during a period of regional geopolitical flux.
The process has not been without hurdles. An anticipated notification deadline of November 29 passed without fanfare, sparking online speculation about potential rifts within the establishment. Addressing these concerns, Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar reassured the public during a press briefing, emphasizing that the postponement was purely procedural. “The Prime Minister was abroad in England at the time, which contributed to the brief delay,” Tarar explained, dismissing notions of internal discord. He affirmed that the formal gazette notification for the CDF post—empowered by the constitutional overhaul—remains imminent.
Echoing this sentiment, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reiterated that the administrative wheels are in motion. “Everything is progressing as per protocol and will conclude in due course,” he stated, quelling further doubts.
As President Zardari reviews the summary, anticipation builds for the official endorsement, expected imminently. This appointment not only cements Field Marshal Munir’s legacy
