The 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, passed on Saturday, amends Article 243 of the Constitution and introduces five key changes governing the armed forces. The most notable provision designates the serving Army Chief as the CDF, giving Munir overarching authority over the army, navy, and air force. The amendment aims to enhance coordination among the three services under a single command structure.
Under the revised framework, both the Army Chief and the CDF will be appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister. A National Strategic Command will also be established, headed by a Pakistan Army officer nominated by the CDF. Additionally, the government will have powers to confer honorary lifetime ranks such as Field Marshal, Air Force Marshal, and Admiral of the Fleet.
General Munir, who was elevated to Field Marshal following Operation Sindoor earlier this year, becomes the first officer to hold the newly created CDF position. The post of Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee is set to be abolished on November 27, 2025, consolidating the military hierarchy further.
Born in 1968, Munir hails from a family that migrated from Jalandhar, India, during Partition. His father, Syed Sarwar Munir, settled in Pakistan post-1947. Educated at Sir Syed College, Rawalpindi, Munir’s early schooling was at a madrasa before he joined the Pakistan Army, where he rose steadily through the ranks.
Analysts see the move as part of Pakistan’s effort to centralise military leadership amid evolving security challenges and internal political shifts.
