Field Marshal Asim Munir Appointed Pakistan’s First Chief of Defence Forces

Pakistan made a major change in its military structure as Field Marshal Asim Munir was appointed the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment after receiving a formal summary from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Field Marshal Munir will now serve as both Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces for the next five years. He was promoted to field marshal earlier this year after Pakistan’s victory over India in the May conflict.

Speaking casually with reporters at Aiwan-e-Sadr just before the announcement, Field Marshal Munir said that Pakistan was now moving towards stability. He added that the country would “rise to greater heights” in the coming years.

Government Confirms Structural Changes

President Zardari also approved a two-year service extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu. His new term will begin in March 2026.

These appointments were made under the new changes introduced through the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy Amendment Bills 2025, which the president signed on November 15.

The amendments state that:

• Article 243 now applies to any general promoted to field marshal.

• The federal government may assign certain COAS powers to the Vice Chief or Deputy Chief of Army Staff on the CDF’s recommendation.

• Once the dual office notification is issued, the COAS’ tenure will restart from that date.

• The post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) has been abolished. It will be replaced by the Commander of the National Strategic Command, appointed for three years.

With this change, General (retd) Sahir Shamshad Mirza becomes the last officer to hold the CJCSC position.

New Responsibilities of the Chief of Defence Forces

The government will define the CDF’s duties, but the role will mainly include:

• Improving joint operations between the Army, Navy and Air Force

• Leading multi-domain military integration

• Overseeing restructuring of defence strategy

• Enhancing coordination across all armed forces

A Look at Field Marshal Asim Munir’s Military Career

Field Marshal Munir joined the Pakistan Army in 1986 after completing the 17th Officers Training Course at Mangla. He was commissioned into the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment.

Across his career, he has served in many key roles, including:

• Directing Staff at Command and Staff College, Quetta

• Brigade Major in Kel

• GSO-2 at CGS Secretariat

• Chief of Staff at Mangla Corps

• Quartermaster General at GHQ

• Commander of 23 FF Regiment

• Commander of an infantry brigade

• Force Commander in the Northern Areas

He also served as DG Military Intelligence and later as DG ISI. After that, he served as Corps Commander Gujranwala.

His education includes:

• Fuji School, Japan

• Command and Staff College, Quetta

• Malaysian Armed Forces College

• National Defence University, Islamabad

He holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management and is known as an avid reader, traveller and Hafiz-e-Quran.

Congratulations From National Leadership

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Field Marshal Munir and said the appointment matched the needs of modern warfare. He praised the army chief for leading the country to a “historic victory” in the recent conflict with India.

He also congratulated the Air Chief for strengthening Pakistan’s air defence and achieving air superiority during the four-day war.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti said that Field Marshal Munir’s leadership had defeated every act of aggression against Pakistan. He added that the new post reflected the nation’s expectations and security needs.

National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq also praised the appointment, saying it showed trust in the field marshal’s strong leadership.