Defence minister says CDF notification process underway amid speculation

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday dismissed media speculation over the delay in issuing the notification for the newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), saying the process had already begun.

The federal government is supposed to issue a notification for Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir to assume the role of Chief of Defence Forces, following the enforcement of the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill 2025.

In a brief statement on X, formerly Twitter, Asif said there was “unnecessary and irresponsible speculation” surrounding the matter and confirmed that the notification would be issued “in due course.”

He added that the prime minister was returning shortly and that there was “no room for any conjecturing.”

His remarks came after media reports questioned why the government had delayed the formal notification, despite the recent restructuring of the military command system under new legislation.

Business Recorder reported on Saturday that Field Marshal Munir is expected to assume the unified role of CDF alongside his existing position as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

The new designation will take effect once the notification is issued and will replace the COAS title in official communications, military documents and public references.

President Asif Ali Zardari signed the Army, Air Force and Navy Amendment Bills on November 15 after their approval by parliament, enabling major changes in the command structure of the armed forces.

Under the amended law, the COAS will simultaneously serve as the Chief of Defence Forces for a five-year term, with Munir’s tenure restarting from the date of notification. The legislation further states that all provisions of Article 243 applicable to a Field Marshal will also apply to a General elevated to the unified office.

The amendments also authorise the federal government-acting on the CDF’s recommendation, to empower the vice chief or deputy chief of army staff to exercise COAS powers through written orders.

One of the most significant structural changes is the abolition of the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). It has been replaced with a new office titled Commander, National Strategic Command. The commander may be appointed for a three-year term from among serving army generals on the advice of the COAS/CDF.

The CDF’s mandate will be further defined by the federal government and will include multi-domain integration, enhanced jointness across services, restructuring of force capabilities, and broader responsibilities aligned with contemporary warfare requirements.

The restructuring follows the retirement of General (retd) Sahir Shamshad Mirza, who stepped down as Pakistan’s last CJCSC under the new constitutional framework. His departure marks the end of the traditional Joint Chiefs structure and the transition to a new command model within the armed forces.