Islamabad: President has approved the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), alongside his role as Chief of Army Staff, officials confirmed Thursday. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent the presidential summary earlier, marking a historic milestone in Pakistan’s military leadership. The appointment will be effective for a five-year term.
Munir to Lead Both Army and Defence Forces
Under the new framework, Munir will simultaneously command the Army and the Defence Forces, overseeing operations across all branches of the military. Officials described the move as a strategic step to consolidate command structures and enhance coordination among the armed forces.
Air Chief’s Tenure Extended
The presidential summary also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, whose current five-year term is set to end in March 2026. The extension ensures leadership continuity within the Pakistan Air Force during this period of structural change.
Officials said both decisions reflect the government’s focus on strengthening military command, stability and operational efficiency across Pakistan’s defence forces.
