Khawaja Asif Rejects Speculation Over CDF Notification, Says Process Already Underway
With the issuance of the new notification, the COAS’s tenure will also restart for another five years.
ISLAMABAD — Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Sunday dismissed ongoing speculation surrounding the notification of the newly created Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) post, confirming that the process has already begun and the announcement will be made at the appropriate time.
The CDF position was introduced earlier this month through the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which also abolished the role of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee in the amended Army Act.
“There is unnecessary and irresponsible speculation about the CDF notification. Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly,” Asif wrote on X, stressing that there was “no room for conjecture.”
Under the amendment, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who is currently serving as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), will also assume the office of Chief of Defence Forces. His responsibilities will include multi-domain integration, restructuring, and promoting jointness across the armed forces.
With the issuance of the new notification, the COAS’s tenure will also restart for another five years. The constitutional provisions of Article 243—applicable to a Field Marshal—will apply when a General is promoted to the rank.
Field Marshal Munir’s elevation came after Pakistan’s decisive victory over India in the May war, making him only the second Field Marshal in Pakistan’s history and the first in more than six decades.
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According to reports, Field Marshal Munir will be officially addressed as CDF and COAS concurrently effective November 28, and the unified office will be reflected in all official documents, military references, and media reports.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment also introduced new honorary titles, including Marshal of the Air Force and Admiral of the Fleet, and placed the authority to reverse such titles solely in the hands of Parliament.
Additionally, the Prime Minister will appoint the commander of the National Strategic Command from the Army based on the recommendation of the CDF.
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