The Office of Chief of Defense Forces was established through the 27th Amendment in Pakistan’s constitution and it replaces or absorbs the responsibilities of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) in the newly established office.

Field Marshal Asim Munir Becomes Pakistan’s First Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) as General Sahir Shamshad, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) retires on November 27, 2025. The 27th Amendment in 1973 Constitution of Pakistan establishes the office of Chief of Defense Forces. Chief of Defense Forces serves as a Commander of the Armed Forces of Pakistan. The office of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) is abolished under the same amendment. However, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) was a ceremonial office. The Chief of Army Staff enjoyed the operational command of Pakistan Army. With the establishment of the office of Chief of Defense Forces, the operational command is shifted to the CDF.

Field Marshal Asim Munir

General Asim Munir was commissioned in Pakistan Army in 23rd FF Regiment in 1986. He is a graduate of 17th Officers Training Course in Mangla. General Munir has served as a directing staff in Command and Staff College, Quetta, Brigade Major of a deployed infantry brigade in Kel, General Staff Officer, Grade-2 at CGS secretariat and Chief of Staff of Mangla Corps. He was a Force Commander in Northern Areas, Gilgit as well. General Asim Munir is the first army chief who has headed both — Military Intelligence and the Inter Services Intelligence. He also has M Phil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from National Defence University.

Interestingly, General Asim Munir took over the Baton of Command as Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army on November 29, 2022. He became the 17th Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan Army. At the time, a person could remain army chief for a period of 3 years. As a result, his retirement was due to on November 27, 2025. Usually, an army chief would require an extension to continue as the Commander of Pakistan Army. However, a change in law was made to extend the tenure of the Chief of Army Staff. Resultantly, Pakistan’s Parliament passed a bill amending the appointment of Services Chiefs. The tenure of the posts of Army, Air and Naval Chiefs was extended to 5 years instead of 3 years. Thus, General Asim Munir was supposed to retire on November 27, 2027 as per the changes made in November 2024.

Yet, the four days war with India changed the course of structure within the defense apparatus. General Asim Munir was elevated to the rank of Field Marshal on May 20, 2025. It is a five-star rank in the armed forces. This award is given in wake of exceptional and exemplary leadership and services. Previously, General Ayub Khan had gained this title in 1965 after winning the war against India.

Pakistan’s First Chief of Defense Forces

The elevation of General Asim Munir to the rank of Field Marshal had created a constitutional challenge as 1973 Constitution of Pakistan was silent on this issue. Thus, the government chose to define and designate the office by allocating lifetime rank. It is for those who are elevated to the positions of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air or Admiral of the Fleet. At this point, the office of the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) was also envisaged. While announcing the position, the government added the regional dynamics as one of the reasons for establishing the new office.

The government announced that the new post of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) will be established for a period of five years. The defense sources also claim that the army will be led by a Deputy Chief of Army Staff who will be responsible for operational management of Pakistan Army. On the other hand, Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) will be responsible for coordination and operational management for all the armed forces of Pakistan. These include Pakistan Army, Pakistan Air Force, Pakistan Navy and the Paramilitary Services of Pakistan.

When Will Field Marshal Asim Munir Retire?

On November 27, 2025, General Sahir Shamshad retired as the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Field Marshal Asim Munir takes over as the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of Pakistan on the same day. It is pertinent to note that the office of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) has a tenure of five years. Thus, the retirement period for Field Marshal Asim Munir is also extended for a period of five years. Now, Field Marshal Asim Munir will retire from the post of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) on November 27, 2030. Moreover, if an extension is granted, Field Marshal Asim Munir may stay as Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) until November 27, 2035.