Overview
- No formal order naming Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces has been published, including after the Nov. 29 marker linked to his original three‑year COAS term.
- Defence Minister Khawaja Asif says the appointment process has begun and the notification will be issued “in due course” once Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif returns.
- Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi says creating the new CDF institution under the 27th Amendment requires time and cannot be completed instantly.
- Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar says Munir’s service is already protected by prior legislation and that the unified CDF/COAS notification is a routine step awaiting PMO coordination.
- Analysts dispute whether a fresh order is legally necessary and caution that delay could create institutional uncertainty, while government officials dismiss claims of political obstruction.