RAWALPINDI: Chief of the Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir was officially appointed Pakistan’s first chief of defence forces (CDF) on Thursday, marking a major structural shift in the country’s military leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment after signing the summary sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The president also endorsed a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, wishing both senior commanders success in their extended roles.
The newly created CDF post comes under the 27th Constitutional Amendment and replaces the now-defunct office of the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, which formally ceased to exist on November 27. The appointment merges the responsibilities of the army chief and the CDF, creating a unified and more streamlined command structure that officials say aligns with modern defence requirements.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Field Marshal Munir and expressed full confidence in his leadership. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, the CDF role represents a strategic enhancement that will strengthen Pakistan’s defence posture in an era shaped by rapid technological and tactical advancements.
The prime minister praised the armed forces under Field Marshal Munir’s command, noting their success in recent military operations. He said that the forces had inflicted a clear and humiliating defeat on hostile elements, reinforcing Pakistan’s resolve and operational strength. The PM also highlighted the field marshal’s leadership in the campaign referred to as Marka-i-Haq, which, according to the statement, elevated Pakistan’s stature internationally.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also commended Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on receiving an extension, acknowledging the Pakistan Air Force’s role in safeguarding the nation’s airspace. He said the PAF had demonstrated exceptional professionalism by successfully neutralising enemy aircraft during what officials described as the Battle of Truth.
The prime minister reaffirmed that the combined leadership of Field Marshal Munir and ACM Sidhu would help make Pakistan’s defence “impregnable”.
Earlier in the day, the prime minister formally forwarded the summary recommending Field Marshal Munir for the dual role of chief of the army staff and chief of defence forces. The President House confirmed receiving and approving the summary, finalising one of the most significant military leadership transitions in recent years.
