From army chief to defence supremo: Pakistan’s big power move for Asim Munir

The amendment, which revises Article 243 of the Constitution, authorizes the President to appoint both the Chief of Army Staff and the Chief of Defence Forces on the Prime Minister’s advice, according to local media reports.

Under the new framework, the Chief of Army Staff, currently General Munir, will also serve as the Chief of Defence Forces, giving him overarching authority across Pakistan’s military establishment.

The CDF will appoint the head of the National Strategic Command, responsible for nuclear and strategic operations, in consultation with the Prime Minister.

The bill further empowers the government to promote officers to the ranks of Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, with these titles carrying lifelong privileges.

The current post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee will be abolished after November 27, 2025, consolidating command under Munir’s leadership.

The change comes following the four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May, after India’s Operation Sindoor targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The clashes, which reportedly damaged several Pakistani F-16 jets, exposed coordination gaps among the country’s armed forces.

Munir’s promotion to Field Marshal earlier this year and his likely elevation as Chief of Defence Forces indicate Islamabad’s intent to project unified military strength and reinforce command stability amid regional tensions and evolving security dynamics, media reports said.