Islamabad: In a historic step in Pakistan’s military leadership, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have approved the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces. After this decision, he will be the commander-in-chief of the Pakistan Army and will also oversee the new defence leadership.
According to the official notification, the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces will be for a period of five years, which is being described as part of the national-level defence reforms. According to government officials, the move is aimed at strengthening the joint strategy between the services.
On the other hand, a two-year extension has also been approved in the tenure of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, which will come into effect on the completion of his current term in March 2026.
Defense analysts say that these decisions mark the beginning of a new era in Pakistan’s national security policy, especially at a time when the strategic situation in the region is changing rapidly.
According to the Presidency, the President has expressed his best wishes to both the military chiefs.
