Field Marshal Asim Munir appointed Chief of Defence Forces
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has been officially appointed as Pakistan’s first chief of defence forces after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the summary forwarded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The defence ministry issued the formal notification under Article 243 of the Constitution and Section 8A of the Pakistan Army Act, confirming that Field Marshal Munir will serve a five-year tenure. The historic appointment, widely discussed across world news and defence coverage, marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s military leadership and strategic structure.
The prime minister had earlier approved Field Marshal Munir’s appointment as both the chief of the army staff (COAS) and the chief of defence forces before sending the summary to the president. Following the president’s approval, the defence ministry formally notified the field marshal, making him the first officer in Pakistan to hold the dual roles, tasked with overseeing overall coordination among the armed services.
According to officials, Field Marshal Munir’s role will include both operational command as COAS and strategic leadership across the defence forces for a five-year term. This move reflects a significant restructuring aimed at improving inter-service coordination, strategic planning, and national security decision-making.
In a related development, the tenure of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu has also been extended by two years. This extension will take effect upon the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026, ensuring continuity and stability within Pakistan’s military hierarchy.
The News International – Pakistan Defence News
The appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first chief of defence forces is expected to have wide-ranging implications for the country’s defence policy, strategic coordination, and international military relations. The development has already captured the attention of global analysts and news outlets, underlining its significance in Pakistan’s defence and political landscape.
