Field Marshal Asim Munir takes over as unified COAS–CDF from today

ISLAMABAD: Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has been officially designated to serve as both Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) effective today, sources confirmed Friday after legislation passed earlier this month.

Under the recently approved Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy Amendment Bills 2025 — which received presidential assent on 15 November — the COAS will concurrently hold the title of CDF for a five-year term. All official documents, military references and media reports will now reflect this unified office.

With the new structure, Article 243 provisions applicable to a Field Marshal will extend to any general promoted under the revised law. The government also gains authority to assign interim duties to the Vice or Deputy Chief of Army Staff when required, based on written orders from the CDF.

As part of the broader reshuffle, the historic post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) has been abolished. The former CJCSC, General (retd) Sahir Shamshad Mirza, retired on Wednesday as the last occupant of that position. In its place, a new role — Commander of the National Strategic Command — will be established. This commander may be appointed by the prime minister from among serving Army generals for a three-year term, upon CDF’s recommendation.

Officials said the reforms are designed to enhance jointness across Pakistan’s armed forces, streamline command structure, and improve coordination among the services under a unified top leadership.