Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has addressed public speculation regarding the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). He confirmed that the official notification will be announced in due time.
The government formally created the CDF position through the 27th Constitutional Amendment earlier this month. This new role represents a significant change in the military’s command structure.
Minister Asif used his official social media account to clarify the situation. He described the ongoing public discussion as “unnecessary and irresponsible speculation.”
He provided a clear update on the formal procedure. “Please be informed that the process has been initiated. The PM is returning shortly,” his post stated. The Defence Minister assured the public that a formal notification would be issued in due course. He emphasised that there was “no room for conjecture” regarding this important appointment.
There is unnecessary and irresponsible speculation about CDF notification. Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly. Notification will be issued in due course of time. No room for any conjecturing. Period!
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) November 30, 2025Field Marshal Asim Munir to Assume the New Role
According to multiple reports, Field Marshal Asim Munir will be appointed as the first CDF. He will hold this position concurrently with his current role as Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The CDF post was established following the abolishment of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. This change was part of the amended Army Act.
Read: Field Marshal Asim Munir Formally Appointed Chief of Defence Forces
The government will formally define the duties and responsibilities for both the COAS and CDF roles. These responsibilities will include overseeing multi-domain integration and ensuring optimum jointness across the Armed Forces. With this new appointment, the tenure of the COAS will recommence for a five-year period. This will be formalised through a new official notification.
The provisions of Article 243 of the Constitution will apply to Field Marshal Munir in his new capacity. This article outlines the protocols for officers promoted to the rank of field marshal.
Field Marshal Munir will be officially addressed as the CDF and COAS effective from November 28. All official documents, military references, and media reports will reflect this unified office. The 27th Constitutional Amendment also introduced other honorary titles. These include Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet.
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