Sharif travelled to Bahrain on November 26 and then flew to London a day later, leaving the Cabinet Division unable to issue the order in his absence. Media reports suggest the prime minister may have intentionally distanced himself from the process to avoid formally endorsing Munir’s elevation—an appointment that would place control of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal under a new military-led command structure.
General Munir was expected to assume charge as CDF following the expiry of the previous post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) on November 27. His own original tenure as Army Chief ended the same day, although last year’s legislation extending service periods ensures his continuation. However, a fresh notification is required under the amended constitution.
Former Indian NSAB member Tilak Devasher told ANI that Sharif “kept himself away on purpose” and warned that the uncertainty within Pakistan’s military leadership could raise tensions with India. “Even without formal confirmation, Munir wields enough authority to escalate matters,” he said.
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif announced that the notification process had begun and would be completed upon Sharif’s return to Islamabad on Monday. According to Dawn, the Cabinet Division is prepared to issue the order immediately.
Opposition parties have seized on the delay, with PTI claiming Sharif has “lost control over the army.” PPP senator Raza Rabbani questioned whether “unsaid veto powers” were still influencing appointments.
The 27th Constitutional Amendment has fundamentally altered Pakistan’s military structure, creating the National Strategic Command—an army-led body that will now control nuclear weapons, previously overseen by the civilian-led National Command Authority. The reform cements the military’s institutional dominance at a time of heightened political instability.
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