Pakistan appoints Asim Munir as its first chief of defence force for a five-year tenure

Islamabad (The Uttam Hindu): The Pakistan government has appointed Asim Munir as the country's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS). He will serve a five-year term in both positions. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointments.

Asim Munir's power has increased! He has been appointed Pakistan's first CDF, with a five-year term : Munir is the first Pakistani military officer to hold both the posts of CDF and COAS simultaneously. Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif had sent a summary to the President recommending the appointment. Munir was promoted to the rank of Field Marshal this year. Apart from this, a 2-year extension was also approved for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, which will come into effect after the completion of his current 5-year term in March 2026.

On November 12th, the Pakistani Parliament passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment, increasing the military's powers. Under this amendment, Munir was appointed CDF. With this position, he also assumed command of Pakistan's nuclear weapons, making him the most powerful person in the country.