Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has officially assumed the title of Chief of Defence Forces while continuing his role as Chief of Army Staff. This unified designation takes effect immediately and will appear in all official documents and military communications.
The appointment follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s November 15 approval of the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy Amendment Bills 2025. Parliament previously passed this legislation, creating the legal framework for the new military structure.
Under the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, the Army Chief will concurrently serve as Chief of Defence Forces for a five-year term. Field Marshal Munir’s tenure restarts from the date of this new official notification.
The amendment specifies that Article 243 provisions applicable to a Field Marshal will also apply to a General promoted to this rank. The federal government may authorise the vice chief or deputy chief of army staff to exercise COAS powers based on written orders from the Defence Forces Chief.
Read: Pakistan Promotes COAS General Asim Munir to Field Marshal
The legislation clarifies that once the dual office notification issues are addressed, the incumbent COAS’s tenure officially recommences from that date.
The federal government will now determine the CDF’s duties and responsibilities, including multi-domain integration and ensuring joint operations across armed forces branches.
A significant structural change involves abolishing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee position. The Commander of the National Strategic Command will replace this role.
The Prime Minister may appoint this commander from among serving Pakistan Army generals for a three-year term, based on the recommendation of the COAS/CDF. General (retd) Sahir Shamshad Mirza retired on Wednesday as Pakistan’s final CJCSC holder.
