ISLAMABAD, December 8, 2025 — Pakistan’s newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, issued a stern warning to India, cautioning that any future aggression would be met with a more “severe and swift” response. The statement came during a guard of honour ceremony at the General Headquarters (GHQ), where senior military officers celebrated his historic appointment as the country’s first CDF.
“India should not harbour any illusions. Pakistan’s response to aggression will be immediate and intense,” CDF Munir told assembled officers, reflecting on the country’s decisive actions against India during the May conflict earlier this year.
Addressing tensions with Afghanistan, the Field Marshal also conveyed a firm message to the Taliban regime in Kabul, asserting that the group must make a choice between aligning with Pakistan or harboring terrorist elements like the TTP.
Reiterating Pakistan’s commitment to peace, CDF Munir emphasized that the nation will not allow its sovereignty or territorial integrity to be threatened.
Source: The Express Tribune
Historic Defence Forces Headquarters
Field Marshal Munir described the establishment of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DHQ) as a landmark step to enhance coordination across Pakistan’s Army, Air Force, and Navy. While each branch will retain operational autonomy, the DHQ will ensure integrated multi-domain operations.
“Modern warfare now extends to cyberspace, space, AI, and the electromagnetic spectrum. Our armed forces must adapt to these evolving challenges,” he said, highlighting the necessity of a unified command structure for future strategic readiness.
Read about CDF General Asim Munir
Honouring Valor and Sacrifice
During the ceremony, awards were presented to heroes from the Pakistan Navy and Air Force for their courage during the Marka-e-Haq operations. CDF Munir paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them the “pride of the nation,” and praised the exceptional resolve of the Pakistani people.
The event was attended by Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and other senior military officials. The Ministry of Defence officially notified Munir’s appointment as CDF earlier this week.
Source: The Express Tribune
Profile of CDF Field Marshal Asim Munir
Field Marshal Munir, commissioned in the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986, has held top leadership roles, including Director General of Military Intelligence and head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He previously commanded infantry brigades, Northern Areas forces, and served as Quartermaster General. Munir is the first Pakistani army chief to receive the Sword of Honour and holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management.
His elevation to Field Marshal follows Pakistan’s decisive military success in May and the parliamentary approval of the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025, establishing the CDF role with Article 243 powers applicable to all promoted generals.
