President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The decision marks a historic moment, as Asim Munir becomes the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces.
The approval came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a formal summary to the Presidency, recommending Asim Munir for both key positions. The official statement confirmed that the President has granted a five-year term for the role of Chief of Defence Forces, which will run alongside his duties as Chief of Army Staff.
In addition to this major appointment, President Zardari also approved a two-year extension in the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Sidhu. His extended term will begin on March 19, 2026, allowing him to continue leading the Pakistan Air Force with stability and continuity.
The Presidency shared that President Zardari conveyed his best wishes to the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces for their upcoming term. He also extended good wishes to the Air Chief, acknowledging the importance of leadership within the armed forces.
Field Marshal Asim Munir’s appointment carries significant importance for Pakistan’s military structure. For the first time, a Chief of Defence Forces has been formally designated, creating a central leadership role to oversee strategic defence matters. His concurrent responsibilities as COAS and CDF position him at the highest level of Pakistan’s military command for the next five years.
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The decision reflects confidence in his leadership, experience, and capability to manage both operational and strategic defence affairs. As the nation observes this development, the new structure is expected to play a major role in shaping Pakistan’s defence outlook in the coming years.
