Chief of the Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has reiterated the Pakistan Army’s full preparedness and commitment to confront all challenges. This aims to ensure national stability.
The statement was issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) following the Field Marshal’s visits to the Gujranwala and Sialkot Garrisons on Saturday. During his visit, Field Marshal Munir received comprehensive briefings on the formations’ operational readiness. He learned about key initiatives designed to enhance combat preparedness. He personally observed a field training exercise and reviewed an advanced simulator training facility. Also, he commended the troops for their high professional standards and overall readiness.
Addressing the evolving nature of global threats, the CDF emphasised the critical importance of technological adaptability. He stated that modern warfare fundamentally requires agility, precision, enhanced situational awareness, and the ability to make swift decisions.
While interacting directly with officers and soldiers, Field Marshal Munir lauded the personnel’s unwavering morale and steadfast commitment to national security. He underscored the indispensable role of continuous, rigorous, and mission-oriented training. This is crucial in maintaining a decisive defensive capability.
Context of the New Chief of Defence Forces Role
This operational review follows last week’s official notification from the Ministry of Defence. It confirmed Field Marshal Asim Munir’s appointment as the inaugural Chief of Defence Forces (CDF). Promoted to the rank of Field Marshal earlier this year, Pakistan’s second in history, he will concurrently serve as the Chief of Army Staff for a five-year term.
#ISPR
Rawalpindi, 13 December, 2025
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, #COAS & CDF, visited Gujranwala and Sialkot Garrisons. Upon arrival, he was briefed on the formation’s operational readiness and key initiatives for strengthening combat preparedness.
The Field… pic.twitter.com/OOv8KY5acC
— Pakistan Armed Forces News 🇵🇰 (@PakistanFauj) December 13, 2025
The creation of the CDF position was formalised after President Asif Ali Zardari assented to the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy (Amendment) Bills 2025 on November 15. Under the amended constitutional provisions, the powers and responsibilities in Article 243 for a Field Marshal now extend to any General promoted to this supreme rank.
Strategic Messaging on National Security
The ISPR release quoted the CDF, stating, “Pakistan Army remains fully focused on both internal and external challenges. This includes hostile hybrid campaigns, extremist ideologies, and divisive elements seeking to undermine national stability.”
This garrison visit follows a guard of honour presented to the CDF at the newly-established Defence Forces Headquarters (DHQ) in Rawalpindi earlier in the week. On that occasion, Field Marshal Munir delivered firm strategic messages. He warned India of a “more severe response” to any future aggression. He also stated that a clear message had been delivered to the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul regarding regional tensions.
Reiterating that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, the CDF stated that no entity would be permitted to threaten the country’s sovereignty or territorial integrity. He emphasised that no one should test its national resolve. He described the fundamental restructuring of the military command under the CDF as “historic.” This restructuring is necessary to optimise multi-domain operations through a unified system integrating the army, air force, and navy.