Thu Dec 04 19:50:38 UTC 2025: Summary:
Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), as the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for a five-year term. This appointment follows the 27th Constitutional Amendment passed last month, which established the CDF post to streamline command and decision-making. The CDF will replace the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), a post that has now been abolished. President Zardari also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu.
News Article:
Pakistan Appoints First Chief of Defence Forces Amid Command Restructuring
Islamabad, December 5, 2025 – In a historic move, Pakistan has officially appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), as its first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment, effective immediately, for a five-year term.
The decision comes on the heels of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, passed by parliament last month, which created the CDF post with the aim of unifying command and expediting decision-making processes within the armed forces. The new position replaces the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which has now been abolished.
“President Zardari extended his best wishes to Mr. Munir,” stated a release from the President’s office.
The appointment puts to rest speculation surrounding delays, which had been ongoing since the retirement of the last CJCSC, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, on November 27th.
In a related announcement, President Zardari also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff, commencing March 19, 2026.
The move signifies a significant restructuring of Pakistan’s military command, aimed at enhancing coordination and efficiency.
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