Stating that India “should remain under no misconception,” Munir asserted that Pakistan was fully prepared to counter any hostile move. His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and follow recent political and military developments in Pakistan that have expanded the powers of the armed forces.
Munir highlighted that modern warfare extends far beyond conventional combat, pointing to the growing fronts of cyber operations, information warfare, artificial intelligence and quantum technologies. He said the new Defence Forces Headquarters had been created to strengthen Pakistan’s ability to operate effectively across these domains.
Senior leaders of the Army, Air Force and Navy were present at the event. They described the establishment of the tri-service headquarters as a significant restructuring step intended to improve joint planning and execution, while maintaining the individual autonomy of each service branch. The CDF will oversee coordination, though existing command structures remain intact.
Munir, recently elevated to the rank of Field Marshal, assumed dual charge as Pakistan’s first CDF on December 4 after President Asif Ali Zardari approved the appointment under the 27th Constitutional Amendment. The amendment, passed by Parliament in November, expanded military authority and placed nuclear command under Munir’s direct control, making him the country’s most powerful figure.
The Army Chief also issued a pointed message to the Taliban government in Kabul, saying Afghanistan must choose between supporting Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) or maintaining its relationship with Islamabad. He reiterated that Pakistan had designated the TTP as Fitna al-Khawarij, invoking a term historically used for violent extremist groups.
Munir’s warnings signal a hardening military posture as Pakistan recalibrates regional and internal security priorities.
