Islamabad: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has sent the presidential summary approving the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as Chief of Army Staff and the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces, officials confirmed Thursday. The appointment, which marks a historic first for Pakistan, is set for a five-year term.
Asim Munir to Lead Both Army and Defence Forces
Under the new arrangement, Munir will simultaneously hold the positions of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, overseeing the country’s military operations across all branches. Officials described the move as a key step in consolidating command structures within the armed forces.
Air Chief’s Tenure Extended
In a related decision, Prime Minister Sharif approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, extending his current five-year term, which is scheduled to conclude in March 2026. The extension ensures continuity of leadership within the Pakistan Air Force alongside the new defence framework.
Officials said both appointments reflect the government’s focus on strengthening command and stability across Pakistan’s military leadership.
