ISLAMABAD: Following the receipt of PM’s summary, commending the appointment of COAS as CDF, Zardari has signed-off here on Thursday (4th of Dec, 2025).
According to the notification issued by the GoP’s Ministry of Defense: “In exercise of powers conferred by Article 243 of the Constitution of The Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973 read with Section 8A of Pakistan Army Act 1952, the President on the advice of the Prime Minister is pleased to appoint Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of the Army Staff concurrently the Chief of the Defence Forces for a tenure of five years.”
One may recall that the post of CDF was created under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Newly appointed, CDF, while talking informally to the Media at the Presidential Palace maintained: “…Things are moving towards improvement, and Pakistan will now soar to greater heights from here.”
PPP took to the X to state: “President Asif Ali Zardari approves the summary submitted by the Prime Minister for the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir NI(M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff, concurrently as Chief of Defence Forces for a period of five years.”
Earlier, on 30th Nov, there were rumours about the notifications by the President. Defence Minister took to the X on Sunday (30th Nov, 2025) to inform that notification apropos the appointment of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) would be issued in due course of time. Responding by means of X, to the savants at the helm of affairs, who were positive that the CDF related notice would coincide with the ending of the CJCSC post, (on 29th Nov, 2025), minster stated: “Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly. Notification will be issued in due course of time.”
Terming the speculation as unnecessary and irresponsible, he said there was no room for any conjecturing. Incidentally, 29th Nov, 2025 happens to be the date when three-year tenure of the COAS was set to expire. It may be recalled that in recognition of his leadership in the recent Indo-Pak skirmishes, the Federal Cabinet has approved the promotion of COAS Gen. Syed Asim Munir to 5-star rank of Field Marshal Tuesday (20th May, 2025).
PM’s Office stated: “The Government of Pakistan has approved the promotion of General Syed Asim Munir (Nishan-i-Imtiaz Military) to the rank of field marshal for ensuring the security of the country and defeating the enemy based on the high strategy and courageous leadership during Marka-i-Haq and Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, dedicated the honor to the people of Pakistan and Armed Forces: “This honor is not mine alone; it belongs to the entire nation and the Pakistan Armed Forces – especially our civil and military martyrs, and our veterans…This is not just an individual recognition but a tribute to the entire nation and its Armed Forces.”
Chief of Defense Forces CDF
It is pertinent to mention here that in the history of Pakistan only two (4-star) generals have been promoted to the (5-star) rank of Field Marshal. The first one was Ayub Khan who was elevated to the post in 1959 by Presidential Cabinet.
Newspakistan.tv
