Political Bargains, Military Appointments & Murree Plan: Inside Pakistan's CDF Delay | Exclusive

Last Updated:December 04, 2025, 13:29 IST

Sources said Nawaz Sharif is aiming for a fourth term as prime minister and the Chief of Defence Forces notification is seen as a critical piece in the broader political strategy

The backdrop of the current scenario is reportedly the Murree Plan, an arrangement agreed upon in late August by key figures including Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz and Asim Munir. (PTI)

The long-awaited notification for Pakistan’s new Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) has been delayed, sources close to both political and military circles say, amid intricate negotiations involving former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz, and Asim Munir, the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and incoming CDF. The delay comes amid reported attempts by the PML-N leadership to secure political guarantees, influence over key military appointments, and assurances for future governance.

Top party sources told CNN-News18 that Nawaz Sharif is aiming for a fourth term as prime minister and the CDF notification is seen as a critical piece in this broader political strategy. “If Asim Munir wants a five-year tenure as both COAS and CDF, then he has to assure Nawaz Sharif’s premiership," a senior PML-N source revealed. This, insiders say, has made the process unusually complex, intertwining military protocol with high-stakes political bargaining.

The backdrop of the current scenario is reportedly the Murree Plan, an arrangement agreed upon in late August by key figures including Nawaz Sharif, Shehbaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Asim Munir, Asim Malik, and Mohsin Naqvi. The plan, according to insiders, outlines a 10-year political-military framework, under which the PML-N party fulfilled its commitment by granting Asim Munir a five-year tenure as COAS. In return, Munir is expected to facilitate Nawaz Sharif’s return to the premiership, marking a unique intertwining of political and military strategy in Pakistan’s contemporary history.

In addition to the political assurances, the PML-N leadership is reportedly negotiating key army appointments and promotions. Sources close to Maryam Nawaz say she and her father are seeking further guarantees from the military establishment, ensuring that officers loyal to their political vision are positioned in strategic roles. Among the specific demands reportedly on the table are the promotion of Lt Gen Nauman Zakaria as Vice Chief of Army Staff, the appointment of Lt Gen Asim Malik as Commander of the Security Council, and other key postings for generals considered close to the PML-N leadership.

Despite the complexity of these negotiations, a top military source indicated that most major issues have been resolved. “The system will continue to function, and the notification of CDF is likely within the next couple of days," the source said, suggesting that the delay is primarily administrative and political rather than a reflection of disagreement over Munir’s appointment.

For Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz, the stakes are clear: securing their political future while maintaining influence over Pakistan’s military decision-making structure. For Asim Munir, the dual role of COAS and incoming CDF cements his authority, but also places him at the center of a highly sensitive political-military arrangement that will likely shape Pakistan’s governance and security landscape over the next decade.

With the final notification expected imminently, observers say the coming days will provide clarity on both the CDF’s formal appointment and the broader implications of the Murree Plan, potentially setting the tone for Pakistan’s political and military dynamics for years to come.

News world Political Bargains, Military Appointments & Murree Plan: Inside Pakistan's CDF Delay | Exclusive

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