Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir has issued a strong warning to India, saying Pakistan will deliver an even “more severe response” if New Delhi attempts any form of aggression in the future.

“India should not be under any delusion. Pakistan’s response, in the event of any aggression, will be even more swift and intense,” CDF Munir said while addressing officers of the armed forces after receiving a guard of honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in recognition of his appointment as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces.

He recalled that under his leadership as both CDF and COAS, Pakistan had given a firm and decisive reply to India during the May conflict.

Commenting on the ongoing Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions, Field Marshal Munir said that Islamabad had delivered a clear and categorical message to the Afghan Taliban government in Kabul.

“The Taliban have no option but to choose between Fitna al-Khawarij (TTP) and Pakistan,” he stated.

Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he stressed that no one would be allowed to challenge the country’s sovereignty or test its resolve.

Speaking about the newly established Defence Forces Headquarters (DHQ), the Field Marshal described the structural reform as “historic” and essential for strengthening multi-domain operations under a unified military system involving the army, air force, and navy.

“In view of evolving threats, this change was necessary. The creation of the Defence Forces Headquarters is a crucial step,” he said, adding that each service would retain its individuality and operational readiness.

He explained that the DHQ would integrate the operations of all three services to ensure better coordination, while their autonomy and organisational framework would remain intact.

Praising the extraordinary courage of the Pakistani nation, CDF Munir said that the multi-domain operations of “Marka-e-Haq” had become a case study for future warfare.

“Wars have now expanded into cyberspace, the electromagnetic spectrum, space, information operations, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. Our armed forces must adapt to these new requirements of war,” he emphasised.

He also paid tribute to the martyrs, calling them the “pride of the nation.”

During the ceremony, awards were presented to heroes of Marka-e-Haq from the Pakistan Navy and Pakistan Air Force in recognition of their bravery.

Earlier in the ceremony, CDF Munir received a guard of honour from contingents of the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, and Pakistan Air Force. The event was attended by PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu, Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf, and senior officers from all three services.

The Ministry of Defence officially announced Field Marshal Munir’s appointment as Chief of Defence Forces on Friday. He will hold the role alongside his position as Chief of Army Staff for five years.

Field Marshal Munir became Pakistan’s second-ever field marshal — and the first in more than 60 years — after the country’s decisive victory over India in the May war.