Tri-services ceremonial tribute held at GHQ Rawalpindi for historic appointment

Historic Guard of Honour Ceremony for Pakistan’s First CDF

RAWALPINDI | Dec 8, 2025 Pakistan’s military celebrated a historic milestone as Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir assumed office as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

A grand ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi saw contingents from the Army, Navy, and Air Force present a formal guard of honour, while senior military leadership attended the event. Field Marshal Munir, who concurrently serves as Chief of Army Staff, was welcomed with a general salute and inspected the guard of honour.

Among those present were Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, and senior officers of all three services.

Munir Addresses Officers: Modernization and Unified Command

During his address, Field Marshal Munir described the creation of the Defence Forces Headquarters as a historic transformation.

• He emphasized enhancing multi-domain operations under a unified tri-services system.
• While each service will retain its distinct identity and operational autonomy, the headquarters will ensure coordination and synchronization of operations.
• Munir called the establishment of the CDF office a necessary step toward military modernization.

Clear Warnings to Adversaries

Field Marshal Munir issued a strong warning to India, cautioning that Pakistan’s response in the future would be swifter and more severe against any aggression.

He further conveyed a message to the Taliban regime, stating they must choose between supporting terrorists or Pakistan.

“Pakistan is a peace-loving country; however, no one will be allowed to threaten our sovereignty, territorial integrity, or test our resolve,” he said.

He concluded with a firm declaration of national unity and strength:

“Let it be known that the concept of Pakistan is invincible, protected by the unwavering determination of warriors devoted to faith and by a united nation.”

Official Approval and Tenure Details

• On Dec 4, 2025, President Asif Ali Zardari assented to the summary appointing Munir as the country’s first CDF.
• Munir’s appointment is effective for a five-year term, during which he will also continue as Army Chief.
• The Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, to begin after completing his current five-year term in March 2026.

The appointments mark a historic restructuring of Pakistan’s defence command.

What?

Pakistan appointed Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the first Chief of Defence Forces, with a historic ceremony and a strong message to regional adversaries.

Where?

The event was held at General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

When?

The ceremony and official appointment were conducted in early December 2025, with presidential assent on Dec 4, 2025.

Who?

• Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir — CDF and Army Chief
• Admiral Naveed Ashraf — Chief of Naval Staff
• Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu — Chief of Air Staff
• Senior military officials from all three services

Why?

To modernize Pakistan’s military command structure, enhance tri-service coordination, and ensure Pakistan can respond swiftly and effectively to regional security challenges.

How?

Through the creation of Defence Forces Headquarters, ceremonial inauguration, and official appointment by the President, with PM approval for key tenure extensions.

What this means for Pakistan?

• Modernization: The appointment reflects Pakistan’s efforts to create a unified high command capable of multi-domain operations, including land, air, sea, and potentially cyber defence.
• Strategic Signaling: Munir’s warnings to India and the Taliban indicate Pakistan’s intent to project deterrence without abandoning diplomatic or peace-oriented positions.
• Institutional Coordination: Tri-service integration under the CDF is expected to streamline operational decision-making and reduce bureaucratic redundancies.

Public Messaging: Strong statements about sovereignty and national unity are likely aimed at domestic reassurance and regional signaling.