From Army Chief to Chief of Defence Forces: Asim Munir Now Commands All Armed Forces

Islamabad: In a move that could dramatically alter Pakistan’s military power dynamics, the country has reportedly passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment, creating the powerful new post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) — a super command uniting the Army, Navy, and Air Force under one authority.

According to local media, the amendment — which revises Article 243 of the Constitution — empowers the President to appoint both the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Defence Forces on the Prime Minister’s advice.

Under this sweeping reform, Army Chief General Asim Munir is expected to take charge as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces, giving him overarching control across the entire military establishment — effectively making him the most powerful man in the country.

🚨🇵🇰 Big update from Pakistan

PML-Z leader Ijaz-ul-Haq (son of Gen. Zia-ul-Haq) says Army Chief Asim Munir’s tenure & powers will be extended under Article 243.🪖#AsimMunir #MilitaryRule #Trump #India #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/XIbj9m64AG

— The Alternate Media (@AlternateMediaX) November 8, 2025

The CDF will oversee national strategic and nuclear operations through the newly reorganized National Strategic Command, whose head will be appointed in consultation with the Prime Minister.

The amendment also allows the government to confer lifetime military ranks such as Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet, complete with lifelong privileges — a move seen by observers as elevating Munir’s already formidable influence.

Notably, the long-standing post of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) will be abolished after November 27, 2025, consolidating all military command directly under Munir’s leadership.

The development follows the May conflict between India and Pakistan, triggered by India’s Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The brief but intense clashes reportedly exposed coordination lapses within Pakistan’s military setup — a gap this new structure aims to fix.

With Munir’s earlier promotion to Field Marshal and now his likely elevation as Chief of Defence Forces, analysts say Islamabad is signaling its intent to project unified military strength and reassert control amid mounting regional tensions and shifting geopolitical realities.