Asim Munir becomes Pakistans first Chief of Defence Forces, its most powerful military leader

New Delhi: Field Marshal Asim Munir has become the first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of Pakistan. President Asif Ali Zardari approved his appointment for 5 years, and a 2-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu from March 19, 2026.

Earlier in 2025, Munir was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal, and now he will also hold the office of Chief of Army Staff, according to a notification issued from the President’s Office. It said in a statement, "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."

Munir has become the first Pakistani military officer to simultaneously hold the positions of COAS and CDF, showing the range of his command in the country. The major changes that have been brought about can be traced to the recent India-Pakistan clash. Pakistan has since then looked to strengthen the constitutional foundation of its military command. A major part of this would see more direct power given to the Army, and this is being done through a Constitutional amendment.

Pakistan has amended its constitution to give more power to Asim Munir. With the amendment, Pakistan created the new post of Chief of Defence Staff. It will help in ensuring better coordination and unified command between the three commands of the armed forces. The 27th Constitutional Amendment bill, which was presented before Pakistan’s Parliament, proposed changes in Article 243 of the Constitution.