Pakistan's president and PM approve Asim Munir as military's inaugural Chief of Defense Forces

ISLAMABAD Pakistan has officially appointed its widely respected army chief, Asim Munir, to the newly established position of Chief of Defense Forces, a role created last month to enhance coordination between the army, navy, and air force.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs office announced that a formal proposal for Munirs appointment as both Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces was sent to President Asif Ali Zardari, who subsequently gave his approval, confirming Munirs expanded responsibilities. The appointment will last for five years.

The statement also noted that Sharif approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar.

Munirs prominence rose earlier this year when Pakistan claimed success in a brief four-day conflict with India. The clashes in May involved reciprocal strikes targeting military sites after India targeted areas linked to militants accused of the killing of 26 tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. The conflict de-escalated following an agreement on an immediate ceasefire, brokered with U.S. support, which has largely held since then.

This appointment follows Munirs promotion to field marshal, making him only the second officer in Pakistans history to hold the rank, after Gen. Ayub Khan, who led the country during the 1965 war with India.

Under the legislation passed by parliament last month, Munir will remain in uniform for life and be granted immunity from arrest, a move criticized by the party of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, which argues that such powers threaten democratic governance.

The army continues to play a major role in Pakistans politics and security, historically ruling the country for nearly half its existence, while also engaging in counterterrorism operations against local and international militants since 2001.

Author: Caleb Jennings