ISLAMABAD: The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a new post created in armed forces through the passage of 27th Constitutional Amendment, will assume charge on November 27, 2025 for a five-year term.
Although no one has so far been formally appointed to the CDF’s post, the new amendment recognizes the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) as the constitutionally-designated CDF.
The COAS will be concurrently holding this new title or position. Moreover, the post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) will stand abolished upon the completion of three-year tenure of incumbent Chairman (CJCSC) Gen Sahir Shamshad Mirza on November 27, 2025. These changes follow the passage of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills, 2025, under the newly-enacted 27th Constitutional Amendment, which has now become law after receiving presidential assent.
The legislation, approved by the National Assembly following cabinet’s endorsement on Thursday, specifies that the CDF’s term will begin upon appointment.
The bill, presented by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and debated in the National Assembly, stipulates that the CDF’s term will begin once the appointment notification is issued, ensuring continuity of leadership.
While the identity of the new CDF remains unclear, there is growing speculation that current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is set to retire on November 27 after completing his three-year tenure, could be appointed to the role for a new five-year term.
The amendments to the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force Acts designate the COAS as the Chief of Defence Forces, adding new responsibilities under Article 243 of the Constitution.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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