Field Marshal Asim Munir Appointed Pakistan’s First CDF; Will Also Retain Army Chief Post

Islamabad: Pakistan has made history by appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). President Asif Ali Zardari issued the official notification on Thursday following a recommendation from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, approving Munir for a five-year term.

Dual Command: CDF and COAS

According to the presidential office, Munir will simultaneously serve as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and CDF, consolidating the highest levels of military command in Pakistan. The notification states that “the summary submitted by the Prime Minister has been approved in accordance with paragraph 7,” formally confirming Munir’s dual appointment.

The President’s office further clarified:

“President Asif Ali Zardari has approved Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff, for simultaneous appointment as Chief of Defence Forces for a term of five years based on the Prime Minister’s recommendation.”

Strengthening Pakistan’s Military Command

Sources indicate that Prime Minister Sharif’s recommendation was the culmination of several days of deliberations and political negotiations. With this dual role, Munir becomes the first military officer in Pakistan’s history to hold both positions at the same time.

This appointment is expected to strengthen command at the highest level within Pakistan’s defence system, giving Munir unprecedented authority and oversight over the country’s armed forces.

This historic move marks a new era in Pakistan’s military hierarchy, consolidating power and signaling the government’s trust in Munir’s leadership at both the strategic and operational levels.