President Asif Ali Zardari has officially approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), marking a historic shift in the country’s military structure. The decision was confirmed through a press release issued by the Presidency on Thursday.
The President also signed a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, allowing him to continue leading the Pakistan Air Force beyond his current term. President Zardari extended his best wishes to both senior officers, acknowledging their service and the important responsibilities ahead.
The creation of the CDF position comes under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which aims to modernize and streamline Pakistan’s military leadership. This new role replaces the now-abolished office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which formally ended on November 27.
Field Marshal Munir will now serve in a dual role, holding both the positions of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces. As CDF, he will oversee coordination among the army, air force, and navy, ensuring unified strategic planning and improved inter-service cooperation.
Experts say the introduction of the CDF role brings Pakistan closer to international defence models where a single top military leader supervises joint military operations. This structure is expected to strengthen strategic readiness and enhance national security planning.
With these key appointments now approved, Pakistan enters a new chapter in defence leadership—one focused on cohesion, long-term planning, and a unified command system amid evolving regional challenges.
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