Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has left London and is now on his way back to Islamabad after a short but significant UK visit. Shehbaz Sharif Returns to Pakistan to Finalize CDF Appointment and KP Decision is quickly becoming one of the most searched political news stories today, driven by public interest in the pending Chief of Defence Forces notification and the constitutional debate in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Shehbaz Sharif had arrived in London on Thursday. During his stay, he attended seven medical appointments and held several meetings with political and community delegations.
He departed from Luton Airport at 10:30 a.m. local time on a special aircraft. High Commissioner Dr Faisal, PML N UK President Ahsan Dar, Khurram Butt, and High Commission staff were present to see him off.
CDF Notification Expected After PM’s Return
Officials expect the prime minister to sign the long awaited notification confirming Field Marshal Asim Munir as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces. The decision remains pending even after the historic restructuring of Pakistan’s defence framework.
Last Thursday, Pakistan witnessed a major institutional transformation. The post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) ended with the retirement of General Sahir Shamshad Mirza. The change followed the 27th Constitutional Amendment.
The new system merges top military authority under a single Chief of Defence Forces who will also serve as the Chief of Army Staff. Field Marshal Asim Munir, the current COAS, is widely expected to take the role for a five year term. The government, however, has not yet issued the official notification.
KP Governor’s Rule Debate Intensifies
In a parallel political development, KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi stated that governor’s rule remains a constitutional option. He warned that the federal government may intervene if governance collapses or security deteriorates further in the province.
Kundi urged Chief Minister Sohail Afridi to improve administrative performance and coordinate with federal institutions. He praised KP Police for their sacrifices but admitted that the force faces severe resource shortages. The governor appreciated the CM’s decision to attend the upcoming NFC meeting, calling it a positive step toward restoring coordination.
The return of Shehbaz Sharif signals the start of a pivotal period for Islamabad. The finalization of the Chief of Defence Forces appointment and the decision on KP’s constitutional situation will shape Pakistan’s political, security, and administrative landscape in the coming weeks.