In a major structural shift in Pakistan’s military leadership, the Shehbaz Sharif government has approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The top army official — who was promoted to the Field Marshal rank earlier this year — will simultaneously hold the office of Chief of Army Staff, according to a notification issued from the President’s Office.
President Asif Ali Zardari approved Munir’s appointment as the CDF following a summary sent by PM Sharif.
“President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the summary submitted by the Prime Minister for the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff, concurrently as Chief of Defence Forces for a period of five years," the President’s Office said in a statement.
As per sources, Sharif approved Munir’s elevation as both Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces, with the new role carrying a five-year tenure. This makes Munir the first military officer to simultaneously hold the positions of COAS and CDF, marking a consolidation of command at the highest level of Pakistan’s defence apparatus.
Additionally, he also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, which will take effect after the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.
Earlier it was reported that the process had been unusually delayed in recent weeks, which reportedly stemmed from negotiations involving former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, PML-N chief organiser Maryam Nawaz, and Asim Munir himself.
The delay was reported amid alleged attempts by the PML-N leadership to secure political guarantees, influence over key military appointments, and assurances for future governance.
According to sources, the party leadership had sought a series of political guarantees and institutional assurances linked to future governance and key military appointments.
Top party sources told CNN-News18 that Nawaz Sharif is aiming for a fourth term as Prime Minister and the CDF notification is seen as a critical piece in this broader political strategy. “If Asim Munir wants a five-year tenure as both COAS and CDF, then he has to assure Nawaz Sharif’s premiership," a senior PML-N source had said.
In addition to political assurances, the Sharif family reportedly sought influence over upcoming military postings, sources told media. Sources close to Maryam Nawaz said she and her father were pushing for guarantees that officers aligned with their political vision would be placed in influential roles.
For Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, sources say the priority is securing long-term political stability and ensuring influence over Pakistan’s powerful military establishment. For Asim Munir, assuming the dual role of COAS and the country’s inaugural CDF places him at the core of a reshaped command architecture that will define Pakistan’s defence and political landscape.
