Pakistan Left Guessing as Asim Munir Ends COAS Tenure Without Formal Transition To New Top Military Role
Field Marshal Asim Munir's term as COAS has ended without a formal transition to CDF. Image courtesy: RNA
Pakistan’s power corridors are buzzing with speculation after Army Chief and Field Marshal General Asim Munir completed his three-year tenure as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) on November 29, 2025, without an immediate transition to the country’s newly created post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
The delay has triggered questions about why Pakistan’s most powerful military office remains officially vacant despite full parliamentary and presidential approval.
Was Munir’s elevation automatic?
General Munir’s elevation to CDF was expected to be automatic.
The Shehbaz Sharif government had recently pushed through a sweeping amendment replacing the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee with the more powerful CDF, a position designed to give Munir direct operational authority over all three services and the National Strategic Command.
Yet, two days after his COAS term ended, no notification has been issued.
How did Pakistan try to quell rumours?
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has attempted to quell rumours of internal disagreements, insisting the appointment process is “already underway.”
He dismissed talk of a power tussle and urged the public not to read too much into the delay. Part of the holdup, officials say, may be procedural.
What can Munir’s elevation be expected?
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently in the United Kingdom and is expected to return soon. However, sources suggest the notification may even be issued before his arrival, with a formal ceremony planned for next week. They maintain that the delay is administrative, not political.
Once appointed, Munir would become the most powerful uniformed officer in Pakistan’s history, with enhanced operational authority across the armed forces.
Analysts believe the creation of the CDF marks a major structural shift in Pakistan’s defence hierarchy, one that strengthens centralised military command under Munir.
For now, Pakistan watches closely as uncertainty lingers over a role that could redefine the country’s military leadership for years to come.
