News Desk:
ISLAMABAD: In a major development, President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the appointment of Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The announcement marks the formal establishment of the CDF role, replacing the now-abolished post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC).
The President also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, wishing both officers continued success in their new roles.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had sent a summary recommending Field Marshal Munir’s appointment. Under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, the CDF position will be combined with the office of the army chief, creating a dual-hatted role. Field Marshal Munir will serve in both capacities for a five-year term.
ACM Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu’s extension will take effect after the completion of his current five-year tenure in March 2026. Sidhu was first appointed as Air Chief in March 2021 and had received a one-year extension last year.
Officials had expected the notification to coincide with the abolition of the CJCSC post on November 27. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif earlier asked the public to avoid speculation, saying the official announcement would be made “in due course.”
This historic appointment consolidates the leadership of Pakistan’s defence forces and signals a new chapter in the country’s military structure.
