In a landmark transformation of Pakistan’s military command, Field Marshal Asim Munir has officially taken on an additional role as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), while retaining his existing position as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
The shift follows the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment and accompanying Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2025, which abolishes the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and consolidates command of the army, navy, and air force under a unified leadership.
Under the new arrangement, the COAS will also serve as CDF for a five-year term from the date of formal notification. In Munir’s case, this means his tenure resets as he assumes the expanded role.
This consolidation grants Asim Munir authority over all three services army, air force, and navy and reorganises oversight of strategic assets by introducing a new post, the Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), who will oversee nuclear and strategic operations under the direction of the CDF.
