Field Marshal Asim Munir Is Now Pakistan's First Chief of Defence Forces
The Wire Staff
Real journalism holds power accountable
Since 2015, The Wire has done just that.
But we can continue only with your support.
New Delhi: As promised in the controversial 27th amendment, Pakistan's powerful army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, now has an additional role as the country’s first chief of defence forces – in a significant amping up of his powers.
After the 27th Amendment to the Pakistani constitution, the revised Article 243 provides that the president, acting on the prime minister’s advice, shall appoint the chief of the army staff (COAS), who will concurrently serve as the chief of defence forces (CDF).
A day ago, December 4, Pakistani president Asif Ali Zardari okayed the appointment on prime minister Shehbaz Sharif's advice. Now Munir will have operational, administrative and strategic authority over the neighbouring country's powerful army.
The Dawn newspaper has reported on this development, noting that this amendment also abolishes the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), ending the tri-service coordination system that existed since 1976.
Earlier, The Wire's columnist Rahul Bedi compared the move it to a "a move reminiscent of North Korea, where strategic weapons are similarly commanded by an absolute and unaccountable Supreme Leader."
This appointment effectively resets Munir tenure as his five-year term as “CDF-cum-COAS” begins from the date of notification, December 4. He will thus hold this post till 2030, although Dawn points out that under the revised Pakistan Army Act, he may be reappointed or granted up to a five-year extension, allowing him to potentially remain in office until 2035.
The announcement comes after speculation on the delay in the issue of the notification, leading many to wonder whether negotiations on appointments are afoot. Officials, however, attributed the delay to procedural factors and the PM’s travel schedule.
The Pakistan president's X handle has also announced that president Zardari has approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, taking his tenure to March 2028.
This article went live on December fifth, two thousand twenty five, at forty-two minutes past one in the afternoon.
The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.