Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will be officially addressed as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) concurrently the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with effect from today.
The change will be mentioned in all official papers, military references and media reports with the unified office of Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff.
The unification of the title comes as President Asif Ali Zardari, on November 15, gave his assent to the Pakistan Army, Air Force and Navy Amendment Bills 2025 following their approval by parliament.
Under the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, the COAS will concurrently serve as Chief of the Defence Forces for five years. Field Marshal Munir’s tenure will restart from the date the new notification is issued.
Article 243 provisions applicable to a Field Marshal will also apply to a General promoted to the rank. The federal government may authorise the vice chief of army staff or deputy chief of army taff to exercise powers of the COAS, under written orders issued on the CDF’s recommendation.
