Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan)
The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is a position in the Pakistani Army held by a four-star general. As the highest-ranking officer, it is one of the most powerful positions in the army.
| Chief of the Army Staff | |
|---|---|
| سالارِ افواجِ پاکستان | |
Flag of the Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan | |
| Ministry of Defence Army Secretariat-I at MoD | |
| Abbreviation | COAS |
| Member of | Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee National Security Council Special Investment Facilitation Council |
| Reports to | Prime Minister Minister of Defence |
| Seat | General Headquarters (GHQ) Rawalpindi Cantonment, Punjab |
| Appointer | Prime minister of Pakistan |
| Term length | 3 years Renewable if subject to the approval of the Prime Minister |
| Precursor | Commander-in-Chief of the Army |
| Formation | 3 March 1972 |
| First holder | General Tikka Khan |
| Succession | On basis of seniority, subjected to the decision of the Prime Minister of Pakistan. |
| Unofficial names | Army Chief |
| Deputy | Vice Chief of the Army Staff (Vacant) Chief of the General Staff |
| Salary | According to Pakistan Military officer's Pay Grade (apex Scale) |
| Website | Official website |
This is the senior most appointment in the army who is a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee in a separate capacity, usually consulting with the Chairman joint chiefs to act as a military adviser to the Prime Minister and its civilian government in the line of defending the land borders of the country. The Chief of the Army Staff exercises responsibility of command and control of the operational, combatant, logistics, and training commands within the army.
The appointment, in principle, is constitutionally subjected to be for three years but an extension may be granted after the approval by the President on the recommendations of the Prime Minister. The Chief of the Army Staff is based in the GHQ, and the current Chief is General Syed Asim Munir Ahmed Shah, serving in this capacity since 29 November 2022.