Pakistan Names Asim Munir First Chief of Defence Forces

President Asif Ali Zardari appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces on Thursday, a move that centralizes military command under the serving army chief for the next five years. The appointment, effective immediately, allows Munir to hold the new role concurrently with his position as Chief of Army Staff, following a formal summary submitted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The creation of the Chief of Defence Forces position stems from the 27th Constitutional Amendment, passed by parliament last month. Lawmakers introduced the role to enhance coordination among the army, navy, and air force, and to speed up decision-making during critical situations. This reform abolishes the previous post of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, which became vacant on November 27 when General Sahir Shamshad Mirza retired. The notification from Zardari's office resolves earlier speculation about potential delays in filling the position.

Munir, who assumed the role of Chief of Army Staff in November 2022 for an initial three-year term, received a five-year extension earlier this year. His elevation to Field Marshal, a rank held by only one other...