Taliban Must Choose Between Khawarij and Pakistan; CDF

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has cautioned India that any future act of aggression against Pakistan will be met with an even “harsher and more decisive response.”

“India must not remain under any illusion — Pakistan’s reaction to any provocation will be swifter and far more intense,” he said while addressing officers at the General Headquarters (GHQ) after receiving a guard of honour marking his appointment as the country’s first CDF.

Field Marshal Munir recalled that Pakistan had given a firm and effective reply to India during the confrontation in May under his leadership as CDF and COAS.

Turning to Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, he said Islamabad had delivered a clear message to the Afghan Taliban regime.
“The Afghan Taliban must choose between the menace of the Khawarij [TTP] and Pakistan,” he stated.

Reaffirming that Pakistan seeks peace, the CDF stressed that no one would be allowed to undermine its sovereignty, threaten its territorial integrity, or test its national resolve.

Speaking about the establishment of the Defence Forces Headquarters (DHQ), Field Marshal Munir called the development “historic,” noting that it was essential to strengthen multi-domain operations within a unified framework of the army, air force, and navy.

“Considering evolving and complex threats, this transformation is vital. The establishment of the Defence Forces Headquarters is a key step toward this change,” he said, emphasising that each service branch would retain its individuality and operational readiness.

He added that the DHQ would harmonise the operations of all three forces while preserving their autonomy and organisational structures.

Earlier, contingents from the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force presented the CDF with a guard of honour. The ceremony was attended by PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and senior military officials.

The Ministry of Defence on Friday formally issued the notification appointing Field Marshal Munir as the CDF. He will simultaneously continue serving as COAS for a five-year term.

Read more: Punjab Assembly welcomes Field Marshal Asim Munir’s appointment as CDF

Field Marshal Munir became Pakistan’s second-ever field marshal — and the first in more than sixty years — following the country’s decisive victory over India in the May conflict.

The new CDF role was created after President Zardari approved the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 on November 15. Under these revisions, the powers outlined in Article 243 for a Field Marshal also extend to any general promoted to that rank.

Profile of the CDF

Field Marshal Asim Munir was commissioned into the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment in 1986 after graduating from the 17th Officers Training Course at Mangla.

His career includes key command and staff roles: directing staff at the Command and Staff College, Quetta; brigade major of an infantry brigade in Kel; general staff officer (GSO-II) at the CGS Secretariat; and chief of staff of Mangla Corps. He also served as Quartermaster General at GHQ.

He has commanded the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment, an infantry brigade, and the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA) in Gilgit. His senior intelligence appointments include Director General of Military Intelligence (MI) and later Director General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). After heading ISI, he served as Corps Commander Gujranwala before becoming Quartermaster General and subsequently army chief.

Field Marshal Munir is an alumnus of Fuji School (Japan), Command and Staff College (Quetta), Malaysian Armed Forces College (Kuala Lumpur), and National Defence University (Islamabad). He holds an MPhil in Public Policy and Strategic Security Management from NDU and is the first army chief to receive the Sword of Honour.