Pakistan’s new power structure: How Asim Munir’s appointment as 'Chief of Defence Forces' cements military control

Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir - File Photo

Pakistan has taken a major step toward cementing military control over the state with a sweeping restructuring of its defence command system. According to a report by CNN-News18, the government has issued an official notification confirming that the current Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, will now serve as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) -- a new, all-powerful post that gives him command over all branches of the armed forces.

This transformation, approved through the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill, marks one of the most significant shifts in Pakistan’s military hierarchy in decades. The bill, passed by the National Assembly with a two-thirds majority, effectively merges the command of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single authority. All three service chiefs will now report directly to the CDF, granting Munir absolute control over operational and strategic decision-making.

The amendment also abolishes the long-standing position of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC). Its responsibilities have been transferred to the new CDF post, further centralising power within the military’s top tier. Analysts say this move institutionalises what was already an informal hierarchy, with the Army historically dominating Pakistan’s defence and political systems.

According to CNN-News18, the creation of the unified command was justified as a reform necessitated by recent security challenges. Pakistani officials reportedly argued that the lessons from the four-day conflict with India in May highlighted the need for greater coordination between the services. The government described the restructuring as part of an effort to enhance “joint operational efficiency” and ensure a more integrated national defence response.

However, the changes have sparked outrage among opposition parties and civil society groups. Critics argue that the amendment formalises military supremacy and removes the last remaining checks on the armed forces. The new system, they warn, risks turning Pakistan into a de facto military state with little civilian oversight.

The 27th Amendment also gives constitutional recognition to the highest military ranks -- Field Marshal, Marshal of the Air Force, and Admiral of the Fleet -- making these titles lifetime appointments. Holders of these ranks will enjoy permanent privileges and lifelong legal immunity, similar to the protection the President enjoys under Article 248 of the Constitution. Opposition lawmakers have called this clause “a dangerous precedent” that could shield the military leadership from accountability.

While details about the structure and composition of the new CDF office are still emerging, the constitutional changes already make Field Marshal Asim Munir the most powerful figure in Pakistan’s history. With authority over nuclear command, defence appointments, and strategic policy, Munir now holds influence beyond even that of the civilian leadership.