President Signs Summary To Appoint Gen Asim As Chief of Defence Forces

Asif Ali Zardari also approves two-year extension to tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

By Staff Writer Last updated Dec 4, 2025

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed as Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

President Asif Ali Zardari officially approved a summary sent by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, confirming Field Marshal Munir’s dual appointment as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces.

In a post on X, the President House stated: “President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as COAS concurrently as CDF for 5 years, and a 2-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu from 19 March 2026. The President conveyed his best wishes to both.”

As the Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Munir will not only serve as the Chief of Army Staff but will also hold the pivotal role of overseeing and coordinating the strategic operations of Pakistan’s three armed services – the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

This marks a historic moment as Field Marshal Munir becomes the first person to hold this dual office, enhancing the integration and operational unity of the country’s military forces.

In a related development, the President has also approved a two-year extension to the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The extension will take effect after the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.