Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has addressed widespread public speculation regarding the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). He emphasised that creating a new constitutional institution is a complex process that requires time.
The minister made these remarks during a press conference in Islamabad on Monday. He directly responded to questions about the delay in issuing the official notification for the newly created top military post.
Minister Naqvi urged the public to allow the process to unfold. “Let these people speculate for a few [more] days,” he stated. “Changes have been made to the Constitution, and a new institution is being established.”
He challenged the notion of an instantaneous appointment. “They [rumour mongers] believe such things can be done simply by pressing a button. When a new system is established, it takes time.” The Interior Minister also commented on those fueling the speculation. “Those who are minting money out of this, let them,” he remarked.
Read: Khawaja Asif Dismisses Speculation on Chief of Defence Forces Appointment
Minister Naqvi’s comments align with an earlier statement from Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. On Sunday, Asif also dismissed public speculation about the CDF notification. In a post on the social media platform X, Asif labelled the discussion “unnecessary and irresponsible speculation.” He confirmed, “Please be informed that the process has been initiated. The PM is returning shortly.”
He assured that a formal notification would be issued in due course, stating there was “no room for conjecture.”
The government created the CDF position through the 27th Constitutional Amendment earlier this month. This new role replaces the abolished position of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Reports indicate that Field Marshal Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), will assume the additional role of CDF. The government will formally define the duties and responsibilities for both positions.
These responsibilities will include overseeing multi-domain integration and ensuring optimum jointness across the Pakistan Armed Forces. A new notification will also recommence the COAS tenure for a five-year period.
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