Asim Munir Becomes Pakistan’s First Chief of Defence Forces

Pakistan has undertaken a major restructuring of its military leadership with the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces. President Asif Ali Zardari approved the five-year term following the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which created the new unified command role and abolished the former office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.

A Historic Reshaping of Military Command

Munir now holds a dual role as both Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, giving him constitutional authority over the army, navy and air force. The amendment aims to streamline wartime and crisis decision-making by consolidating top-level military leadership. The Defence Ministry is developing a new organogram to align institutions with the revised structure.

Legal and Political Landscape Around the Appointment

Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar stated that the reforms introduce constitutional oversight while preserving military tradition. The ruling coalition supported the amendment, while opposition parties criticised it as concentrating excessive power in the military. Concerns were also raised about potential impacts on provincial autonomy introduced under previous constitutional changes.

Implications for Pakistan’s Defence Structure

Munir’s expanded authority includes recommending the next commander of the National Strategic Command, a four-star post previously linked to the abolished CJCSC role. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu has also received a two-year service extension. The reorganisation reflects an effort to centralise defence management while supporting long-term strategic planning.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Field Marshal Asim Munir is Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
• The CDF role replaces the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee.
• The amendment grants unified command over all three military services.
• A new National Strategic Command chief will be appointed on the CDF’s recommendation.

Political Reactions and Future Steps

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the new framework as a sign of institutional unity, citing recent security challenges. Critics, including opposition leaders, warned the changes may tilt authority further towards the military. The reforms represent one of Pakistan’s most significant defence restructurings in decades, with Munir playing a central role in shaping the country’s evolving security architecture.