Defense Minister Khawaja Asif: Army Chief and CDF Tenure to Begin from November 27; Security Situation with Afghanistan Remains Tense

Islamabad:Defense Minister **Khawaja Asif** announced that the tenures of the **Army Chief** and **Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)** will commence simultaneously on **November 27, 2025**. Speaking at the *Center Stage* program, he emphasized that the recent notification ensures a synchronized start for both positions.

### **CDF Authority Clarified**

* Asif dismissed concerns that the CDF position has been made overly powerful, noting that similar roles exist in the UK and the US.
* He stated that the process for appointing the new Army Chief will remain unchanged, with all summaries routed through the Ministry of Defence.
* The Defence Ministry remains accountable to Parliament and the Prime Minister.

### **Afghanistan Relations and Security Concerns**

* Asif highlighted that the recent terrorist attacks in Pakistan were largely traced to Afghan nationals, reflecting ongoing security threats.
* He criticized the Taliban regime for claiming that Afghan soil is not used against Pakistan, while evidence suggests otherwise.
* Pakistan seeks written guarantees from Afghanistan that its territory will not be used for attacks, with friendly countries possibly acting as guarantors.
* “Given the current scenario, no settlement with Afghanistan seems viable,” he said.

### **Border and Trade Issues**

* The minister stated that border closures are necessary due to cross-border attacks.
* Restricting trade will also curb smuggling and illegal dollar flows.
* He described Afghanistan as “financially bankrupt,” with a collapsed judicial and governance system.

### **Judges’ Resignations**

* On the issue of resigning judges, Asif clarified that most are completing their terms to secure pensions and benefits.
* He emphasized that the government has not encroached on judicial powers, and the appointment and transfer procedures for judges remain unchanged.

> “If there is a principled objection, let it be raised. Otherwise, do not sit in anticipation of benefits,” he added.

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