Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Syed Asim Munir on Thursday said that “Pakistan will fly higher from here” during an informal conversation with journalists at the Presidency, as the government finalised major decisions on top military positions.

According to details, the field marshal said “everything is fine… everything is in front of you,” adding that matters were moving in a positive direction and the country was now “headed towards betterment.”

Earlier in the day, President Asif Ali Zardari formally approved the summary appointing Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

A statement issued by the Presidency confirmed that he will simultaneously serve as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Defence Forces for a five-year term, making him the first person in Pakistan to hold the newly created CDF position.

The move followed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recommendation, which was sent to the Presidency earlier.

Air chief receives two-year extension

The president also endorsed a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu. The extension will take effect after the completion of his current five-year tenure in March 2026.

President Zardari extended his best wishes to both the military leaders for their upcoming terms.

A look into Field Marshal Munir’s career

Field Marshal Munir, commissioned in 1986 into the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, is a decorated officer and the first army chief to be awarded the prestigious Sword of Honour. Over nearly four decades, he has held key positions including Director General of Military Intelligence, head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Corps Commander Gujranwala, and Quartermaster General at the General Headquarters.

He has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, an infantry brigade, and served as force commander in the Northern Areas, Gilgit. A graduate of Fuji School, Japan, Command and Staff College, Quetta, and the Malaysian Armed Forces College, Kuala Lumpur, he also holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from the National Defence University, Islamabad.

Known for his dedication to sports, reading, travel, and religious scholarship as a Hafiz-e-Quran, Field Marshal Munir brings a unique blend of strategic expertise and leadership to his dual role.