Process for Notification of Chief of Defence Forces Appointment Underway: Khawaja Asif

Islamabad — The federal government has clarified its position regarding the notification of the newly created post of **Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)**, stating that the process has formally begun.

Defense Minister **Khawaja Asif**, in a statement on social media platform X on Sunday, said that unnecessary speculation regarding the notification should be avoided, as the procedure is already in motion and the notification will be issued at its due time.

He confirmed that the process related to the CDF appointment has commenced and that **Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** is returning to the country soon, after which the notification will be released.

Earlier on **13 November**, President **Asif Ali Zardari** signed the **27th Constitutional Amendment**, officially bringing major structural changes to Pakistan’s military and judicial systems. Under the amendment, the posts of **Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee** and **Chief of Army Staff** have been abolished and replaced with the unified role of **Chief of Defence Forces**, which will also include the responsibilities of the former Joint Chiefs.

Historically, the Chairman Joint Chiefs was considered the senior-most designation but largely symbolic. Following Pakistan’s victory in the **May 2025 Pakistan–India war**, General **Syed Asim Munir** was elevated to the rank of **Field Marshal**. The new amendment legally defines the status and privileges associated with the rank of Field Marshal.

General Asim Munir assumed the role of Army Chief in November 2022 for a three-year term. With the constitutional changes, the tenure for the heads of all three armed services has now been extended to **five years**.

Under the revised structure, the post of Army Chief has formally transitioned into the role of **Chief of Defence Forces**, carrying a five-year term beginning from the issuance of the official notification. Field Marshal Asim Munir will serve as CDF until **November 2030**, while his rank as Field Marshal is **lifelong**.