Islamabad, November 30,2025: Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday dismissed what he described as “unnecessary and irresponsible speculation” surrounding the notification for the appointment of Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), saying the formal announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
The newly created CDF post was established earlier this month under the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which introduced significant structural changes to the country’s military command framework.
In a post on X, Asif clarified that the appointment process had formally begun and that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif — currently abroad — would finalise the matter upon his return. “There is unnecessary and irresponsible speculation about the CDF notification. Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly,” he wrote, adding that there was “no room for conjecture” in such matters.
According to official sources and reporting by The News, Field Marshal Asim Munir — currently serving as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) — is set to assume the newly established role of CDF. The position replaces the abolished office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee under the amended Pakistan Army Act.
Under the new arrangement, the government will define the roles, functions, and responsibilities of both the COAS and the CDF, including areas related to multi-domain integration, organisational restructuring, and enhancing joint operations across the armed forces.
The tenure of the COAS is also expected to recommence for another five years once the notification is issued. Additionally, Article 243 of the Constitution — applicable to a Field Marshal — will govern the promotion and functioning of the office.
Field Marshal Munir became Pakistan’s second-ever field marshal, and the first in over six decades, after being elevated to the rank following Pakistan’s victory in the May conflict with India. He will be formally addressed as both CDF and COAS with effect from November 28, and the unified designation will appear in all official communications, military correspondence and media references.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment also introduced new honorary titles across the armed services, including Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet. The amendment stipulates that only parliament has the authority to revoke these titles or initiate impeachment proceedings against the armed forces’ chiefs.
Furthermore, the commander of the National Strategic Command will be appointed by the prime minister on the recommendation of the CDF, further consolidating the new office’s influence within the country’s strategic defence framework.
