Pakistan's Shehbaz government has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This position will coordinate the three armed services. He has been granted a five-year tenure and lifelong protection in uniform, a decision criticized by the opposition.
Pakistan Update: Pakistan's Shehbaz government has appointed Field Marshal Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). This new position has been created to establish better coordination among Pakistan's three armed services: the Army, Navy, and Air Force. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Munir's appointment will be for the next five years. Additionally, the tenure of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, the Chief of Air Staff, has been extended by two years.
Despite Pakistan suffering a defeat at the hands of India in Operation Sindoor in May, Munir was still promoted to Field Marshal. During this period, Munir propagated throughout Pakistan that the country had achieved victory over India, even though the reality was the opposite. Following this move, Munir has, in a way, become an unofficial ruler in Pakistan.
Munir Receives CDF Post
The new position of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) is one of the recently established roles. It is reported that this position replaces that of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, which was recently abolished. The President of Pakistan also extended his felicitations to Munir on his appointment as CDF. The President's approval also put an end to rumors suggesting that Munir's appointment to this post could become a lengthy process.
Munir was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff in Pakistan in 2022. His tenure was extended by five years in 2024. Subsequently, his promotion to the rank of Field Marshal marked only the second time this has happened in Pakistan's history. Previously, this rank was bestowed upon General Ayub Khan, who led the 1965 Indo-Pak war. Pakistan also suffered a crushing defeat in that war.
Controversy Mounts Over Munir's Promotion
Asim Munir's promotions have consistently been mired in controversy. His elevation to Field Marshal, despite Pakistan's defeat during Operation Sindoor in May, has become a challenge for the opposition. The opposition, particularly former Prime Minister Imran Khan's party PTI, has criticized this decision. PTI argues that granting Munir such extensive powers and security undermines the framework of democracy.
Recently, Pakistan's Parliament passed a law under which Asim Munir will remain in uniform for life and cannot be arrested. This law grants Munir extraordinary security and unparalleled authority, significantly increasing his power.
Shehbaz Government's Patronage
Pakistan's Shehbaz government has consistently been active in enhancing Munir's power. This patronage comes at a time when Munir's military had made Pakistan a laughing stock internationally during Operation Sindoor in May. Despite this, the Shehbaz government has not only made him Field Marshal but also appointed him to the CDF post, providing him with military protection.
