A press release from the presidency said he also signed off on the two-year extension in the tenure of Air Chief Marshal (ACM) Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and extended his best wishes to the two for their successful tenures.

The new CDF office replaces the now-abolished Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, which ceased to exist on November 27. Under the revised structure, Field Marshal Asim Munir will hold a dual role, continuing as army chief while serving as CDF for the next five years.

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Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had earlier forwarded the summary recommending Field Marshal Asim Munir for both roles. His office stated that the appointment was essential for the new defense framework approved last month.

PM Shehbaz also endorsed ACM Sidhu’s two-year extension, which will begin after his current term ends in March 2026. He was appointed in March 2021 and already received a one-year extension earlier this year.

Government officials had expected the CDF notification to be issued once the CJCSC post formally ended. Both the defense and law ministries had urged the public not to speculate during the delay, explaining that coordination with the PM Office was required.

Military planners say the real test begins now, as the government must also appoint the commander of the National Strategic Command, a new four-star post that will oversee the country’s nuclear responsibilities. This appointment will come only after the CDF notification process is complete.

The revised structure also requires changes to the National Command Authority Act, especially regarding how the new NSC commander will work alongside the air force and navy chiefs once their strategic functions shift under the unified command.