Rawalpindi, Pakistan – Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan's newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), has issued a strong warning to India, advising them against any "delusion" regarding Pakistan's response capabilities. In his first address as CDF, Munir asserted that any act of aggression would be met with a "swift and severe" retaliation.
Munir's statement follows his recent appointment as Pakistan's first CDF, a move described as the most sweeping restructuring of the military command since the 1970s. This new structure consolidates operational, administrative, and strategic authority under a single office. The announcement came after President Zardari approved amendments to the Pakistan Army, Air Force, and Navy Bills of 2025. Munir will hold the CDF post concurrently with his five-year term as Chief of Army Staff.
Addressing officers at the General Headquarters (GHQ) after a guard of honor, Munir reiterated Pakistan's commitment to peace but asserted that its sovereignty and territorial integrity would be fiercely defended. He emphasized that Pakistan's response to any aggression would be "very swift and severe".
Munir also highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, emphasizing the need to integrate the Army, Navy, and Air Force under the newly formed Defence Forces Headquarters. He clarified that while operations would be integrated, each service would maintain its autonomy and organizational structure. Munir described the establishment of the Defence Forces Headquarters as a "historic" step towards enhancing multi-domain operations.
The CDF's remarks come in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military conflict between India and Pakistan in May. Munir referenced the operation as a "case study" for future conflicts. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting alleged terror infrastructure within Pakistan in response to an attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, that resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. The strikes led to four days of intense clashes, concluding on May 10 after both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Field Marshal Munir's comments follow a pattern of escalating rhetoric between the two nations. In October 2025, he warned India of a "decisive response" to even minor provocations. He also accused India of supporting terrorism to destabilize Pakistan.
Earlier in August 2025, Munir made controversial statements while on US soil, issuing what some interpreted as a nuclear threat against India. He stated, "We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us". These remarks were condemned by India as reckless and globally destabilizing.
