ISLAMABAD — Field Marshal Asim Munir becomes country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) while continuing as COAS under a powerful five-year mandate.
Standing confidently at Aiwan-e-Sadr, Munir assured journalists that new chapter is beginning “Everything is fine, it’s right before your eyes. Pakistan is moving towards improvement and will now soar to greater heights.”
This massive development unfolded only moments after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sent a groundbreaking summary to President Asif Ali Zardari recommending Munir’s dual leadership — a move promptly approved by the presidency.
Prime Minister’s Office confirmed this bold restructuring through an official press release, which also included another major decision:
Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu has been granted a two-year extension, effective after March 2026. As speculation flooded political circles and media outlets, top officials pushed back hard:
Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar warned against “baseless speculation,” insisting the process is fully on track. Adviser Rana Sanaullah stressed that CDF will become a critical national security institution, reshaping the civil-military command landscape.
PM aide Dr. Tauqir Shah slammed talk of civil-military tensions as “misleading propaganda.” Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi insisted structural transformation cannot happen “by simply pressing a button.”
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif earlier assured the nation the announcement would arrive at the right moment. This is not just another appointment as it marks a massive transformation in the country’s defence architecture, shifting how the Armed Forces will be commanded and coordinated at the highest level.
