Field Marshal Munir receives guard of honour at GHQ as Pakistan’s first CDF

Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, issued a stern warning to India, stating that there should not be any misapprehension about Pakistan and its response in future conflicts.

“Next time, Pakistan’s reply will be even faster and more intense,” remarked Field Marshal Asim Munir during a guard of honour ceremony held at the General Headquarters on Monday in Rawalpindi which was held to honour him on his appointment as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces.

Addressing the ceremony, attended by officers of the armed forces, Field Marshal Munir highlighted the historic significance of the newly established Defence Forces Headquarters, which he described as a crucial step in the evolving military landscape. “Given the increasing and shifting threats, it is imperative that we enhance our multi-domain operations under a unified system of the three armed forces,” he mentioned.

He further elaborated that each service would maintain its operational individuality, but the Defence Forces Headquarters would streamline and synchronise operations across the military branches. “With unified top command, the three armed forces will maintain their internal autonomy and organisational structures,” he added.

CDF also commented on Pakistan’s strategic stance regarding the Taliban regime, declaring that a clear message had been sent: “They have no option but to choose between the Khawarjis or Pakistan.”
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, CDF added, “I want to emphasise that Pakistan is a peace-loving country. However, no one will be allowed to undermine our sovereignty, territorial integrity, or challenge our resolve.”

The CDF underscored Pakistan’s indomitable spirit and further mentioned, “Let it be known that the concept of Pakistan is invincible, protected by brave soldiers and a united nation with unwavering resolve. Long live Pakistan.”

During the ceremony, contingents from the three armed forces presented the COAS and the newly appointed CDF with a formal guard of honour. Field Marshal Munir was also presented with a general salute. He inspected the guard of honour, the state broadcaster reported.

The event was attended by senior military officers, including the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Naveed Ashraf and the Chief of the Air Staff of Pakistan Air Force, Zaheer Ahmad Babar. They paid tribute to the newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces.