President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday approved the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), in addition to his role as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The appointment, for a five-year term, was recommended by the prime minister in a summary sent to the President’s House.

The move also formalises Field Marshal Munir’s dual responsibilities, making him the head of all armed forces for the first time in Pakistan’s history.

According to a press release issued by the PM Office, the prime minister has also approved a summary for a two-year extension in the tenure of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu.

The extension will commence after the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.

In an informal conversation with journalists at the Awain-e-Sadar in Islamabad, Field Marshal Munir expressed confidence in the country’s trajectory, stating, “Everything is fine; it’s all in front of you. Things are moving towards improvement, and Pakistan will now soar to greater heights.”

Separately, President Zardari also approved a two-year extension in the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu.

Earlier, addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Thursday, Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar said that there was “nothing to worry about,” and an official notification regarding the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces would be issued soon.

The law minister said the notification could be issued at any time, adding that “a storm is being created in a teacup.”

He said the Pakistan Army Act clearly states that the Army Chief will also serve as Chief of Defence Forces.

“There is no legal ambiguity regarding the notification,” he said.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has sent the summary of the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces to the President’s House after approval.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will be the Chief of Army Staff as well as the Chief of Defence Forces. This appointment is for a period of five years.

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will be the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also approved a two-year extension in the tenure of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu.

This extension will be effective upon completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.