Chief of the Army Staff (Pakistan)

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) is a statutory position in the Pakistan Army held by its professional head, which is usually a four-star general, appointed by the President on the Prime Minister’s nomination. Since 2025, the COAS serves ex officio as the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the head of the Pakistan Armed Forces. As the highest-ranking officer, it is the most powerful position in the land army; and due to the influence of the military, the position is seen as the most powerful office in the country.