The Ministry of Defense on Friday formally announced the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) and extended the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu by two years.

Both notifications were issued following presidential approval on the recommendation of the prime minister.

RELATED: Field Marshal Munir becomes country's first CDF

The Ministry of Defense issued an official notification confirming the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of Defense Forces. His tenure is set for five years.

فیلڈ مارشل کی بطور چیف آف ڈیفنس فورسز تعیناتی اور ائیر چیف مارشل کی مدت ملازمت میں توسیع کے نوٹیفکیشن جاری

This decision follows the presidential approval, which was granted after the prime minister’s recommendation. The formal notification was issued under the Army Act and Article 243 of the Constitution.

Air chief marshal’s tenure extended

In a separate notification, the Ministry of Defense confirmed a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, effective from March 19, 2026.

The extension was granted under Article 234 of the Constitution and the Pakistan Air Force Act. Copies of the notifications were circulated to the President, Prime Minister, all three service chiefs, and relevant institutions.

Appointment strengthens Pakistan’s defense: Tarar

Pakistan’s defense capabilities have been significantly reinforced with the appointment of Syed Asim Munir as Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar said on Friday. The minister stressed that this structural change ensures unified command across all armed forces.

Speaking to Samaa TV at the Parliament House, Attaullah Tarar said the enemy will now be apprehensive in the face of Pakistan’s strengthened defense structure.

“Now all our forces operate under a unified command. The enemy who has already been defeated will think twice before attempting any aggression in the future,” he added.

The minister also addressed misinformation circulating on social and electronic media regarding the recent defense appointments.

“Those who spread rumours about the notification should be ashamed and must apologize to the nation,” Tarar said, highlighting the importance of accurate reporting and responsible commentary in times of national interest.