ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the appointment of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir as Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The field marshal will simultaneously hold the office of Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, according to a notification issued from the President’s Office.
A press release from the presidency said the president also signed off on the two-year extension in the tenure of Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and extended his best wishes to both military commanders.
Following the appointment of the COAS as CDF, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conveyed his best wishes to Field Marshal Munir, a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office said.
As per the statement, the premier said that the appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces is aligned with contemporary and modern warfare requirements and will further strengthen the country’s defence.
“Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our brave forces delivered a crushing defeat to the enemy,” he added.
The statement further added that under the leadership of Field Marshal, the brilliant success in Marka e Haq made Pakistan’s name shine all over the world, and the country gained respect.”
The Prime Minister also congratulated and expressed good wishes to Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on his two-year extension in service.
Furthermore, the premier stated that under the leadership of Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, “the Pakistan Air Force destroyed enemy warplanes with its excellent professional skills during Marka e Haq and frightened the enemy.”
“All institutions of the country will work together for the defence, development, and prosperity of Pakistan,” he remarked. “Together, we will make the country’s defence impregnable,” he maintained.
The CDF position replaces the now-abolished office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) chairman following the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which formally ended on November 27. It is a dual-hatted position combined with the office of the army chief.
