Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir formally stepped into his expanded role today, taking charge as both the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the newly created Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). His appointment comes into effect immediately under the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2025, a landmark legislation that reshapes the country’s military command structure.
Under the revised law, the COAS will simultaneously serve as the CDF for a tenure of five years. This dual role places the responsibility on the federal government to define the scope, authority, and operational functions of the CDF.
Officials familiar with the development say the combined office is expected to enhance coordination among the three branches of the armed forces, strengthen joint operational planning, and improve Pakistan’s readiness for modern, multi-domain threats.
One of the most notable changes introduced by the amendment is the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) — a post that previously acted as the highest joint-services coordination body.
In its place, a new position titled Commander of the National Strategic Command has been established. The commander will serve a three-year term and will be appointed on the recommendation of the COAS/CDF. This restructuring aims to streamline strategic oversight and ensure faster, more unified decision-making at the national security level.
The reform package represents one of the most significant shifts in Pakistan’s military hierarchy in recent years. Officials believe the new structure will modernize command processes, reduce bureaucratic delays, and bring the armed forces closer to international standards of integrated defence management.
With Field Marshal Asim Munir now holding both critical portfolios, the military is expected to function under a more cohesive and centralized leadership model.
