Pakistan has established a new, highly influential military position: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed to this inaugural role, consolidating command over all branches of the armed forces. This significant change in military structure was formalized with the 27th Amendment to the Constitution, which also removes the previous retirement age limit for this position. The CDF role now spans five years, with provisions for multiple extensions at the government’s discretion.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation for Asim Munir to concurrently serve as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and CDF was approved by President Asif Ali Zardari. This dual appointment places Munir at the apex of Pakistan’s military hierarchy. The CDF’s responsibilities extend to overseeing the National Strategic Command, which manages the nation’s nuclear arsenal and missile defense systems, underscoring the immense power vested in this new office.
The creation of the CDF position and Munir’s appointment follow a period of considerable discussion regarding the potential expansion of his authority. The government had planned to announce this new role on November 29, coinciding with the end of Munir’s term as army chief. The CDF role replaces the previously existing Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which has now been dissolved as part of a move to centralize military command and control. In a related development, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu received a two-year service extension, effective March 19, 2026. President Zardari extended his well wishes to both officers on their appointments and extended service.