Rawalpindi, December 8, 2025: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday warned India of a far more “severe response” in the event of any future hostility, declaring that Pakistan’s reaction would be “even more swift and intense” than before.
Speaking to officers of the armed forces after receiving a guard of honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ) on his appointment as the country’s first CDF, Field Marshal Munir said India “should not be under any delusion” regarding Pakistan’s preparedness. Earlier this year, Pakistan had delivered what he called a “befitting response” to India during the May conflict.
Turning to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, the CDF said a clear message had been conveyed to the Afghan Taliban leadership in Kabul. “The Taliban have no option but to choose between Fitna al-Khawarij [TTP] or Pakistan,” he remarked, reiterating that Pakistan will not allow its sovereignty or territorial integrity to be threatened.
Field Marshal Munir described Pakistan as a peace-loving nation but asserted that any attempt to test its resolve would be met firmly.
Commenting on the establishment of the new Defence Forces Headquarters (DHQ), Field Marshal Munir termed the structural shift “historic” and essential for strengthening multi-domain operations under a unified system of the army, navy, and air force.
“In view of the growing and changing threats, this step was necessary,” he said, adding that while joint operations would be integrated under the DHQ, each service would retain its autonomy and organisational identity.
The CDF noted that Pakistan’s multi-domain operations during the May conflict—referred to as Marka-e-Haq—had become a “case study” for future warfare. Modern conflicts, he said, now extend to cyberspace, the electromagnetic spectrum, space, information operations, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. “The armed forces will have to adapt to the new requirements of war,” he emphasised.
Field Marshal Munir also paid tribute to the martyrs of recent conflicts, calling them the “pride of the nation.” Awards were conferred upon personnel of the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force for their valour during Marka-e-Haq.
Earlier, contingents of all three services presented the CDF with a guard of honour. The ceremony was attended by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and senior military leadership.
The Ministry of Defence on Friday issued the notification confirming Field Marshal Munir’s appointment as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces. The position was created following the passage of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 and presidential assent granted on November 15.
Under the amended Article 243, the responsibilities and powers applicable to a Field Marshal now extend to any general elevated to the rank. Field Marshal Munir, promoted earlier this year, will concurrently serve as COAS for five years.
He became Pakistan’s second Field Marshal—and the first in over six decades—following the country’s decisive victory over India in the May war.
Commissioned in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986, Field Marshal Munir is a graduate of the Officers Training Course at Mangla and has held multiple senior operational and intelligence assignments.
His previous roles include:
- Director General Military Intelligence (MI)
- Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)
- Corps Commander Gujranwala
- Force Commander Northern Areas
- Quartermaster General at GHQ
- Chief of Staff, Mangla Corps
- Directing Staff at Command and Staff College, Quetta
He has completed courses in Japan, Malaysia, and Pakistan, and holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from NDU. He is also the first Pakistan Army chief to receive the Sword of Honour.
