Pakistan's General Asim Munir becomes first Chief of Defence Forces

Pakistan’s widely popular army chief was confirmed to the newly created post of chief of defence forces, a position that was established last month to improve coordination among the army, navy and air force.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif’s office said in a statement that a summary for the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as both chief of army staff and chief of defense forces had been sent to President Asif Ali Zardari for approval. The president then approved the appointment, confirming Munir's expanded role.

"The appointment is for a period of five years,” the statement said.

Shahbaz also approved a two-year extension for Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar, the statement said.

Munir has risen to prominence since earlier this year, when Pakistan said it defeated India in a four-day war.

Pakistan and India in the tit-for-tat strikes in May targeted each other's military position after India struck targets inside Pakistan it said were affiliated with militants responsible for the massacre of 26 tourists in Kashmir.

But the two sides stepped back from the brink of war after US President Donald Trump said India and Pakistan had agreed to a full and immediate ceasefire. Since then, the truce between the two nuclear-rivals is holding.

The elevation of Munir comes months after Pakistan promoted him to field marshal, making him only the second military officer in the country’s history to hold the title. The first was Gen. Ayub Khan, who led Pakistan during the 1965 war with India.

Associated Press