Why Is Field Marshal Munir Considered a Historic Army Chief?

News Desk 

Islamabad: Field Marshal Asim Munir has been appointed as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), assuming command over all branches of the country’s armed forces. 

He will simultaneously continue to serve as Chief of Army Staff. The position was established last month under the 27th Constitutional Amendment.

Commissioned in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986, Field Marshal Munir graduated from the 17th Officers Training Course at Mangla, earning the prestigious Sword of Honour.

Over his distinguished career, he has held numerous key military roles, including directing staff at the Command and Staff College in Quetta, brigade major of a deployed infantry brigade in Kel, general staff officer grade-2 at the CGS Secretariat, and chief of staff of Mangla Corps. 

Asim Munir has also served as Quartermaster General at the General Headquarters.

Field Marshal Munir has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, an infantry brigade, and served as force commander in the Northern Areas, including Gilgit. 

His top intelligence appointments include Director General of Military Intelligence (MI) and head of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Following his tenure at ISI, he was posted as Corps Commander Gujranwala and later as Quartermaster General, his last assignment before becoming army chief.

He has received advanced military education from Fuji School, Japan; Command and Staff College, Quetta; Malaysian Armed Forces College, Kuala Lumpur; and National Defence University, Islamabad. 

Asim Munir also holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from the National Defence University.

Field Marshal Munir is the first army chief to be awarded the Sword of Honour. Beyond his military career, he is a keen sportsman, avid reader, traveler, and a Hafiz-e-Quran.