ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will now be officially addressed as Chief of Defence Forces while serving as Chief of Army Staff. The change takes effect today and will apply across all official documents. Authorities said the unified designation will appear in military correspondence and media reports. They added that the new title reflects major structural reforms within Pakistan’s defence framework.
President Approves Defence Amendment Bills
The transition follows President Asif Ali Zardari’s approval of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy Amendment Bills 2025. Parliament passed the bills earlier, and the president endorsed them on November 15. The Pakistan Army Amendment Bill states that the COAS will concurrently serve as the Chief of Defence Forces for five years. Field Marshal Munir’s tenure will restart from the date of the new notification.
Expanded Powers Defined Under Article 243
Officials said Article 243 provisions for a Field Marshal will apply to any general promoted to that rank. They added that the federal government may authorise the vice chief of army staff or deputy chief of army staff to exercise COAS powers. However, this authority will only take effect through written orders issued on the CDF’s recommendation. The law also clarifies that the COAS’ tenure will recommence once the first notification is issued for the dual office.
Federal Government to Set CDF Responsibilities
The federal government will now define the CDF’s official duties and responsibilities. These duties will include multi-domain integration, institutional restructuring, and ensuring jointness across all armed forces. Officials expect significant coordination reforms across military branches as the new structure becomes fully operational.
Major Restructuring Abolishes CJCSC Post
A major structural shift under the new legislation is the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee. Lawmakers approved the replacement of the post with the Commander of the National Strategic Command. The prime minister may appoint the commander from among serving Pakistan Army generals for a three-year term. The appointment will follow the COAS and CDF’s recommendation.
Final CJCSC Retires Under Constitutional Amendment
The office of the CJCSC no longer exists under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. General Sahir Shamshad Mirza retired on Wednesday as Pakistan’s final CJCSC. His departure formally ends the decades-old position and marks the beginning of a new command structure across Pakistan’s defence institutions.
