Pakistan's Big Military Overhaul: Asim Munir Set To Take Charge As Chief Of Defence Forces

Pakistan is set to witness one of the most significant overhauls of its military hierarchy in decades, with Field Marshal Asim Munir set to take charge as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). The newly created position, established through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, places Munir at the apex of Pakistan’s unified military command structure for a fixed five-year term.

According to sources, the amendment has abolished the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), traditionally the senior-most tri-services role. The incumbent CJCSC, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, is retiring today, effectively marking the end of the position’s decades-long presence in Pakistan’s defence framework.

Under the new structure, Field

Marshal Asim Munir will concurrently remain the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while simultaneously assuming charge of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single consolidated command. This essentially elevates the military chief’s authority, placing all three services under one central leadership node—the CDF—for the first time in Pakistan’s history.

Sources indicate that Pakistan’s armed forces are undergoing a phase of deep structural transition, with new formations, revisions in command layers, and sweeping organisational reforms expected. Promotions, transfers, and fresh postings across the services are likely to follow as the new hierarchy becomes operational.

The 27th Amendment has also led to notable changes beyond the top post. A new position — Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) — has been instituted to support the expanded role of the Army Chief under the unified command arrangement. Additionally, a Commander National Strategic Command post has been created, signalling a reorganisation of Pakistan’s strategic and operational command-and-control ecosystem.

To fully align the military’s legal framework with this revamped structure, Pakistan has amended multiple service regulations, including the Pakistan Army Act, Pakistan Navy Ordinance, and Pakistan Air Force Act. These legislative changes formalise the new authority chain and define the responsibilities and jurisdiction of the newly created roles.