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

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

Prime Minister Shehbaz 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.

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

Munir has risen to

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