CDF Notification Forthcoming: Process Initiated, Says Defence Minister

ISLAMABAD—The government has moved to quell growing speculation surrounding the appointment of the country’s first-ever Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif confirming that the notification process has been officially initiated and will be issued “in due course of time.”

The minister’s statement, made on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, November 30, 2025, sought to address the public and media concern following the passing of a crucial deadline without the formal announcement.

⏳ Notification Awaits PM’s Return

In his post, Minister Asif dismissed what he called “unnecessary and irresponsible speculation” about the CDF notification. He provided a clear update on the status, stating:

“Please be informed that the process has been initiated. PM is returning shortly. Notification will be issued in due course of time. No room for any conjecturing. Period!”

The Defence Minister’s remarks strongly suggest that the formal announcement is contingent on the return of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who is currently on a private visit to the United Kingdom for medical check-ups. The Premier is reportedly scheduled to depart for Islamabad on Monday.

📐 The New Military Command Structure

The CDF position is a direct result of the recently passed 27th Constitutional Amendment, which aims to restructure the military’s top command. The key implications of this amendment are:

• Abolition of CJCSC: The new post officially replaces the now-abolished office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), which formally ended on November 27.
• Dual-Hatted Role: Under the amendment and subsequent changes to the Army Act, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Asim Munir, will simultaneously serve as the CDF for a five-year term. This new role consolidates operational, administrative, and strategic authority, giving the CDF oversight of joint operations and inter-service integration across the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
• Extended Tenure: The 2024 amendment to the Pakistan Army Act extended the tenure of service chiefs to five years. Legal experts generally agree that while amendments may have removed the need for a fresh notification to extend the COAS tenure, the creation of the distinct, new CDF post requires a separate formal public notification.

🤔 The Delay and Internal Deliberations

The lack of a notification on November 29—a date widely seen as a significant marker, being the expiry date of the incumbent Army Chief’s original three-year tenure—has fueled the very speculation the Minister is attempting to curb.

Sources with insight into government discussions suggest the delay may stem from unresolved internal debates. One of the key points under consideration is reportedly the determination of the COAS’s five-year tenure start date: whether it is November 2022 (when Field Marshal Munir originally took command) or November 2025 (as broadly speculated after the new legislation).

Furthermore, the CDF notification is expected to precede another key decision: the appointment of the Commander of the National Strategic Command, a new four-star position created to manage the nuclear command role previously exercised by the CJCSC.

The nation now awaits the Prime Minister’s return, expecting the official notification to cement the new command structure and formally appoint the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces.