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Chief of Defence Forces

Afghan soil being used against Pakistan is unacceptable, says COAS

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Afghan soil being

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has said that sustainable peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan is only possible if the Afghan Taliban abandon support for terrorism and militant groups.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations, the army chief visited Wana in South Waziristan, where he laid a floral wreath at the martyrs’ memorial and paid tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives in defense of the motherland.

During the visit, Field Marshal Munir was briefed on the prevailing security situation along the western border and on the progress of Operation Ghazab-Lil-Haq. He reviewed operational preparedness and met troops deployed at forward positions, appreciating their professionalism, operational readiness, and high morale amid ongoing clashes.

The ISPR statement quoted him as saying that the sacrifices of martyrs form the foundation of Pakistan’s security and resilience.

He termed the use of Afghan soil by “Fitna al-Khawarij” and “Fitna al-Hindustan” elements for carrying out terrorist activities against Pakistan as unacceptable, adding that all necessary measures would be taken to neutralize threats emanating from across the border.

The army chief reiterated that peace on both sides of the border can only be ensured when the Afghan Taliban renounce terrorism and cease backing militant organizations.

He also expressed full confidence in the combat readiness, coordination, and morale of formations deployed along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

Field Marshal Asim Munir appointed as Chief of Defence Forces

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Field Marshal Asim

ISLAMABAD:  The Ministry of Defence has issued the notification for the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as the Chief of Defence Forces following approval from President Asif Ali Zardari.

 The notification has been released under Article 243 of the Constitution of Pakistan and Clause 8A of the Army Act.

According to the notification, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has been appointed for a tenure of five years.

A day earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari approved the summary forwarded by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for the appointment of Field Marshal Asim Munir as the Army Chief and Chief of Defence Forces. The Prime Minister had endorsed the appointment and sent the summary to the President.

Under the approved decision, Field Marshal Asim Munir will serve concurrently as Chief of Army Staff as well as Chief of Defence Forces. He becomes the first officer in the country to hold the newly created position of Chief of Defence Forces.

Meanwhile, the service tenure of Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu has also been extended for two years. The extension will take effect after the completion of his current five-year term in March 2026.

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on his appointment as Pakistan’s first Chief of Defence Forces.

He expressed best wishes for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.

He said, “The appointment of the Chief of Defence Forces is in line with contemporary and modern warfare requirements. The country’s defence will improve further.”

“Under the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, our brave forces delivered a crushing defeat to the enemy,” he added.

He said, “Under the leadership of Field Marshal, the brilliant success in Marka e Haq made Pakistan’s name shine all over the world and the country gained respect.”

The Prime Minister also congratulated and expressed good wishes to Chief of Air Staff Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu on his two-year extension in service.

He said, “Under the leadership of Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, the Pakistan Air Force destroyed enemy warplanes with its excellent professional skills during Marka e Haq and frightened the enemy.”

“All institutions of the country will work together for the defence, development and prosperity of Pakistan,” he remarked.

He said, “Together, we will make the country’s defence impregnable.”