By Asghar Ali Mubarak
In what may be considered a historic juncture in Pakistan’s military evolution, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir assumed the unprecedented post of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), unifying the command of the Army, Navy, and Air Force under a single, consolidated authority. The creation of this position, formalized under the 27th Constitutional Amendment in 2025, not only marks a structural shift in Pakistan’s defence apparatus but also reflects the country’s response to an increasingly complex security environment. In his first address to the officers of the three armed services at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, Munir delivered a two-pronged message: a stern warning to India, and a decisive ultimatum to the Afghan Taliban government, emphasizing Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty while demanding accountability from its neighbors.
The appointment of Munir as the country’s first CDF, while simultaneously serving as Army Chief, consolidates operational, administrative, and strategic powers in a single office. It replaces the long-standing post of Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, dissolving a coordination system that had existed since 1976. The rationale, according to military observers, is clear: modern warfare demands seamless integration across land, sea, and air domains. In Munir’s words, the Defence Forces Headquarters represents a historic change aimed at enhancing “multi-domain operations under a unified system” while ensuring that each service retains its operational autonomy and unique preparedness.
The gravity of his message to Afghanistan cannot be overstated. Munir left no room for ambiguity: the Afghan Taliban must choose between aligning against the Fitna-e-Khawarij—terrorist factions threatening Pakistan from Afghan soil—or face the determined resolve of a nation prepared to defend itself. In a region where extremism has repeatedly spilled across borders, Pakistan’s position is both defensive and assertive. Munir’s statement reflects not just military strategy but also a national ethos: Pakistan is a peace-loving country, yet it will not tolerate actions that compromise its territorial integrity. “The concept of Pakistan is invincible,” he said, underlining a belief deeply rooted in the country’s history and the resolve of its armed forces.
The warning to India, meanwhile, was couched in sober realism. The brief military standoff in May served as a stark reminder of regional volatility, and Munir’s cautionary message was clear: any future aggression will be met with a swifter and more decisive response. This dual focus—on both domestic security and regional deterrence—illustrates the delicate balance Pakistan seeks to maintain: an unwavering defence posture while leaving space for diplomatic engagement. Underlying these statements is the stark reality of arms proliferation in Afghanistan. Following the abrupt withdrawal of U.S. forces in 2021, billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment, ranging from light arms to aircraft and tactical vehicles, remained in the country.
Reports from the U.S. Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction estimate that more than seven billion dollars in weaponry, including M4 and M16 rifles, high-mobility vehicles, and night vision devices, were left behind. While intended for the Afghan National Security Forces, much of this arsenal has since been co-opted by the Taliban or smuggled to other militant groups, including the TTP, which has escalated attacks inside Pakistan. The Taliban have, at times, denied responsibility, insisting that terrorism is an internal problem of Pakistan, yet evidence suggests logistical and operational support continues to flow from Afghan soil.
The establishment of the CDF post, therefore, is more than a bureaucratic realignment—it is a strategic response to these challenges. By centralizing command, Pakistan aims to enhance operational readiness, improve joint coordination, and streamline decision-making in crises. The move reflects a recognition that threats today are multidimensional, ranging from conventional interstate conflicts to insurgent activities facilitated by transnational networks. Military analysts argue that Munir’s leadership will be pivotal in bridging the gap between tactical operations and strategic deterrence, ensuring that Pakistan can respond efficiently to both predictable and emergent threats.
Yet, Munir’s vision extends beyond mere military preparedness. His appointment comes at a time when Pakistan seeks to consolidate national unity, strengthen governance, and project stability in a turbulent neighborhood. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif praised the historic reshuffle, emphasizing that the coordination of the armed forces is aligned with modern defence requirements and the broader goals of national progress. By fostering closer cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, Munir’s leadership is intended to create a coherent institutional framework capable of addressing both domestic security challenges and complex regional dynamics.
The broader geopolitical context underscores the importance of Munir’s mandate. Pakistan’s security calculus has been profoundly influenced by its historical and contemporary engagement with Afghanistan and the United States. From the Soviet-Afghan War to the post-9/11 conflicts, the region has witnessed a continuous interplay of local, regional, and global interests. The legacy of U.S. involvement, particularly the military assistance left behind after two decades of conflict, continues to shape Afghanistan’s power dynamics and Pakistan’s security concerns. In this light, Munir’s warning is not merely directed at the Taliban government; it is a message to all regional and international stakeholders that Pakistan expects adherence to security norms and will act decisively to protect its national interests.
(The writer is a senior journalist covering various beats, can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
