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ISLAMABAD: Bangladesh&rsquo;s Air Force chief on Thursday held talks with Pakistan&rsquo;s top military leadership, underscoring continued defense engagement and cooperation between the two South Asian countries, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said.&nbsp;According to the military&rsquo;s media wing, Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan met separately with Pakistan&rsquo;s naval and army chiefs during his visit to Islamabad and Rawalpindi.&nbsp;The Bangladeshi air chief called on Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Naveed Ashraf at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad, where the two discussed regional security developments and bilateral defence cooperation, the ISPR statement said.&nbsp;Admiral Ashraf briefed his counterpart on Pakistan Navy initiatives aimed at promoting maritime peace and stability in the region. Air Chief Marshal Khan acknowledged the Pakistan Navy&rsquo;s &ldquo;high professional standards,&rdquo; according to the statement.&nbsp;Both sides agreed to enhance high-level military exchanges and expand joint training programs.&nbsp;Khan also met Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The discussions focused on the regional security environment and ways to further strengthen defense and military-to-military cooperation.&nbsp;The two leaders reviewed avenues for expanding professional collaboration, training exchanges and institutional linkages between the armed forces of Pakistan and Bangladesh, the military said.&nbsp;The Bangladeshi air chief appreciated the role of Pakistan&rsquo;s armed forces in promoting regional peace and stability. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to maintaining and strengthening defense relations with Bangladesh.&nbsp;The visit follows a trip by Pakistan&rsquo;s naval chief to Dhaka in late 2025, reflecting growing defense-level engagement between the two countries, the ISPR added.

Security

Bangladesh’s air chief meets Pakistan’s top military leaders to discuss regional security, enhance defence cooperation, expand joint training, and strengthen professional ties between armed forces.

Bangladesh, Pakistan discuss regional security, boost defense cooperation talks

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir reviewed operational readiness and training standards during a visit to Lahore Garrison, reaffirming the Pakistan Army&rsquo;s zero-tolerance policy towards any threat to national security, the military said on Thursday.&nbsp; According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistani military, the army chief was given a comprehensive briefing on the formation&rsquo;s readiness, ongoing training programs and key initiatives aimed at enhancing combat efficiency in line with evolving battlefield requirements. The COAS and CDF also witnessed a specialized field training exercise incorporating latest military technologies, underscoring the Army&rsquo;s focus on innovation and adaptability to meet future challenges. He later inspected sports and recreational facilities for troops, highlighting their role in maintaining physical fitness, morale and overall well-being. During the visit, Field Marshal Asim Munir also toured a High Care Center at CMH Lahore and praised the medical staff and administration for establishing a fully equipped, state-of-the-art healthcare facility for soldiers and their families. Addressing officers at the garrison, the army chief reiterated that the Pakistan armed forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country&rsquo;s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability. He stressed that professionalism, discipline and determination would continue to guide the Army in confronting multifaceted security challenges. Earlier, upon his arrival at Lahore Garrison, the COAS and CDF was received by the Commander Lahore Corps.

Reiterates that the Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully committed to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and internal stability.

Field Marshal Munir reaffirms 'zero tolerance' against security threats

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan&#39;s Chief of Army Staff and Chief of the Defence Forces&nbsp;Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has warned India that its proxies in Balochistan will face &ldquo;stern action&rdquo; for sabotaging peace and development. &ldquo;Indian-sponsored proxies continue to propagate violence and disrupt development in Balochistan,&rdquo; the ISPR quoted the field marshal as saying in a press statement here on Wednesday. &ldquo;Such inimical designs will be thwarted through stern action by security forces to rid the province of terrorism and unrest,&rdquo; the field marshal said while addressing participants of the 18th National Workshop on Balochistan at General Headquarters (GHQ). The workshop focused on exploring Balochistan&rsquo;s socio-economic development and its strategic importance for Pakistan. The ISPR statement said Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir spoke at length about Pakistan&rsquo;s efforts to ensure regional peace and stability. Munir is credited with leading the defense forces and repelling an Indian attack on Pakistan on May 7. International media have not only analyzed the spectacular defense mounted by Pakistan&rsquo;s forces but have also highlighted Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir&rsquo;s growing role in regional and international affairs. Coverage has highlighted his engagements with global leaders, including meetings with US President Donald Trump, as well as his influence on regional and global security dynamics. According to the ISPR, Field Marshal&nbsp;Munir reaffirmed the security forces&rsquo; commitment to rooting out terrorism and protecting Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity. &ldquo;Any violation of Pakistan&rsquo;s territorial integrity, whether direct or indirect, will be met with a firm and decisive response. The Pakistan Armed Forces remain committed to protecting the lives and well-being of their citizens,&rdquo; the ISPR statement quoted Munir as saying. During his address, the field marshal praised the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan and highlighted the province&rsquo;s pivotal importance to Pakistan&rsquo;s prosperity and development. He lauded the wide-ranging initiatives being undertaken by the federal and provincial governments, underscoring a people-centric approach aimed at improving socio-economic conditions and unlocking Balochistan&rsquo;s vast economic potential for the benefit of its people. Munir acknowledged the constructive role of civil society, particularly in debunking propaganda, and highlighted its crucial contribution to driving sustainable development. He stressed the importance of rejecting vested political agendas to ensure that Balochistan&rsquo;s future is shaped by long-term prosperity for all its residents. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, during which Field Marshal Munir responded to queries and spoke about ongoing efforts to develop Balochistan and ensure its security.

Says Indian-sponsored proxies engage in violence and disrupt development in Balochistan; vows decisive action against direct or indirect threats to Pakistan.

Field Marshal Munir warns India against sabotaging peace

ISLAMABAD: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Pakistan on Friday for his first official visit since assuming office, holding talks with Pakistani leaders on bilateral relations and regional security, the Prime Minister&#39;s Office said. According to the statement, Al Nahyan arrived in Islamabad on December 26 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Upon entering Pakistani airspace, the presidential aircraft was escorted by Pakistani JF-17 fighter jets. Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, PM Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, and senior cabinet members received the Emirati leader at the Nur Khan Airbase, Rawalpindi. The two leaders held a meeting in Islamabad, PM Sharif said in a Facebook post. &quot;The meeting focused on further strengthening the long-standing fraternal relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates,&quot; the statement stated. According to the statement, the two leaders reviewed progress in ongoing cooperation and explored possibilities for deeper engagement across various sectors The two sides underscored the importance of expanding collaboration in economic cooperation, investment, energy, infrastructure development, information technology and people-to-people exchanges, the statement said. They also agreed to enhance bilateral trade, which holds significant potential for mutual benefit, according to the statement. The leaders exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining close coordination on matters of mutual interest, the statement said. &quot;The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and renewed their resolve to work together to achieve shared goals of peace, stability and sustainable development,&quot; the statement said. The visit is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries and provide new momentum to their strategic partnership.

Foreign Affairs

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan arrived in Pakistan Friday for his first official visit to discuss economic cooperation and regional security.

UAE President's maiden Pakistan trip targets stronger bilateral relations

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders&rsquo; Conference (CCC) held at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, according to a statement by the military media.&nbsp;The meeting conducted a detailed review of internal and external security environments, focusing on evolving threats and operational preparedness, said Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;Due to the joint efforts of the Government and Pakistan Army and the steadfast support of the Pakistani people, our country is moving gradually but surely toward stability, broader opportunities, and honor and dignity&rdquo;, added the statement.&nbsp;The conference participants reaffirmed that all &ldquo;terrorists, their facilitators, and supporters operating under Indian patronage&rdquo; will be dealt with decisively.&nbsp;Military&rsquo;s top brass vowed that any &ldquo;malicious efforts&rdquo; aimed at undermining Pakistan&rsquo;s unity, security, and stability would not be tolerated, said the statement.&nbsp;The field marshal also paid tribute to the law enforcement agencies, innocent civilians who lost their lives in terrorist activities, and the Armed Forces for &ldquo;their courage, professionalism, and sacrifices&rdquo;, added the statement.&nbsp;The forum also reiterated Pakistan commitment to the people&rsquo;s &ldquo;right to self-determination and their legitimate struggle&rdquo; in Kashmir and Gaza.&nbsp;The CDF Munir also expressed his full confidence in Pakistan Army capability to effectively &ldquo;counter conventional and sub-conventional threats as well as asymmetric challenges&rdquo; to the country sovereignty and territorial integrity, as per the statement.&nbsp;&ldquo;The COAS and CDF directed commanders to maintain the highest standards of operational readiness, discipline, training, physical fitness, technological innovations, and battlefield adaptability,&rdquo; the statement concluded.

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir led the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference, reviewed security threats, vowed action against terrorism, honored sacrifices, and reaffirmed support for Kashmir and Gaza.

Pakistan military leadership vows to crush facilitators of terrorism

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday visited the National Defence University (NDU), where he was briefed by civil and military participants of the ongoing National Security and War Course, according to an official press release.&nbsp;During the visit, participants presented their academic views on challenges to national security and ways to address them, the statement said.&nbsp;Munir outlined the evolving global, regional, and internal security environment. He said Pakistan faces persistent challenges across multiple domains, including conventional, sub-conventional, informational, and economic. He noted that hostile elements increasingly rely on indirect methods and proxies to exploit internal fault lines, rather than confrontation. He stressed the need for future leaders to recognize and counter such complex threats.&nbsp;The field marshal also highlighted the importance of clear decision-making and intellectual resilience in an uncertain security environment.&nbsp;He praised NDU&rsquo;s role in developing strategic thinkers and underscored the importance of professional military education for long-term national resilience, the statement said.&nbsp;He appreciated the participants&rsquo; analyses and urged them to remain vigilant and steadfast in upholding professional values.

Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir visited the National Defence University, Islamabad, received briefings on national security challenges, highlighted multi-domain and proxy threats to the country, stressed the need for clear decision-making, and praised military education for building strategic leadership and national resilience.

CDF Munir outlines evolving global, regional security environment in address at NDU

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Army Chief and&nbsp;Chief of Defense Forces&nbsp;Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Tuesday praised Pakistan&rsquo;s Under-19 cricket team for its historic Asia Cup triumph, calling the success a source of national pride and a reflection of the country&rsquo;s youth potential, the military&#39;s media wing said. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations, during a meeting with the victorious squad at GHQ, Rawalpindi, the field marshal congratulated the players, the team management, and officials on winning the Asia Cup Men&rsquo;s U19 tournament, lauding their discipline, teamwork, and fighting spirit. He said the team&rsquo;s achievement highlighted the immense talent present among Pakistan&rsquo;s youth and demonstrated what could be accomplished through dedication, professionalism, and unity. The field marshal encouraged the young cricketers to continue striving for excellence, uphold high standards of conduct, and represent Pakistan positively both on and off the field. He stressed that success in sports not only brings honor to the country but also strengthens its image globally. Underscoring the broader importance of youth empowerment, Field Marshal Asim Munir said Pakistan&rsquo;s young population is the cornerstone of the nation&rsquo;s future, whose energy, character, and talent will shape its progress and international standing. He reaffirmed his confidence in empowering young Pakistanis to excel across diverse fields and contribute meaningfully to national development through discipline, integrity, and hard work. Members of the Under-19 team expressed gratitude for the encouragement and support, saying the recognition from the country&rsquo;s top military leadership would serve as a strong source of motivation in their careers.

Cricket

The chief of defense forces and army chief praised Pakistan’s Under-19 cricket team for its historic Asia Cup triumph, calling the success a source of national pride and a reflection of the country’s youth potential.

Field Marshal Munir hails U19 Asia Cup victory, calls youth ‘Pakistan’s future’

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has overseen a sharp recalibration of Washington&rsquo;s South Asia policy, with Pakistan emerging as a renewed strategic partner and India&rsquo;s long-favored position showing signs of strain, according to an opinion piece published by The Washington Times.&nbsp;The article, written by retired Brig. Gen. Mark Kimmitt, a former US deputy assistant secretary of defense for Near East and South Asia, says Pakistan has moved &ldquo;from pariah to partner&rdquo; within a year, becoming a pillar of Trump&rsquo;s evolving regional strategy after years of mistrust, diplomatic isolation, and doubts over its counterterrorism commitments.&nbsp;At the start of Trump&rsquo;s second term, US-Pakistan ties were described as cold, with Washington viewing Islamabad as unreliable and overly close to China. The prevailing expectation among Trump advisers was to double down on India, strengthen the Quad, and sideline Pakistan.&nbsp;However, the article argues that concerns about India&rsquo;s domestic politics, civil liberties record, military performance, and diplomatic rigidity gradually undermined confidence in New Delhi as a regional stabilizer. At the same time, discreet counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan began to thaw relations.&nbsp;A turning point came when Trump publicly praised Pakistan&rsquo;s cooperation earlier this year, surprising Washington&rsquo;s policy establishment. According to the article, a &ldquo;virtuous cycle&rdquo; followed, with incremental cooperation leading to deeper engagement and growing trust.&nbsp;The opinion piece highlights Pakistan&rsquo;s military performance during its brief May clash with India as another decisive moment, saying it reshaped perceptions in Washington and restored Pakistan&rsquo;s image as a serious regional actor.&nbsp;The article notes that Trump&rsquo;s role in brokering a ceasefire following the May clash between India and Pakistan further shaped Washington&rsquo;s reassessment. While India was described as dismissive of Trump&rsquo;s involvement, Pakistan publicly welcomed and credited his intervention &mdash; a contrast the piece says resonated strongly with the US president.&nbsp;It also notes the rise of Pakistan&rsquo;s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, as a key interlocutor for the Trump administration. Munir&rsquo;s White House lunch meeting &mdash; the first for a Pakistani military chief &mdash; and subsequent high-level engagements with US military leadership are cited as symbols of the shift.&nbsp;As 2026 approaches, the article says, Pakistan has become central to Trump&rsquo;s broader strategy, offering Washington channels on Iran, the Middle East, and a counterbalance to China&rsquo;s regional influence.&nbsp;&ldquo;The era of India first in Washington has come to an end,&rdquo; the article concludes, while cautioning that the shift may not be permanent and will depend on future choices by both Islamabad and New Delhi.

A Washington Times article highlights Pakistan’s military performance during its brief May clash with India, saying it reshaped perceptions in Washington and restored Pakistan’s image as a serious regional actor.

Trump’s policy shift elevates Pakistan, ends Washington’s India-first approach: Report

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir called on Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during his official visit to the kingdom, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said on Monday.&nbsp;According to the military&#39;s media wing, the two sides discussed matters of mutual interest, including regional security dynamics, defense and military cooperation, strategic collaboration, and evolving geopolitical challenges. The meeting reaffirmed the deep-rooted, historic, and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;During the visit, Field Marshal Munir was conferred the King Abdulaziz Medal of Excellent Class, the Kingdom&rsquo;s highest national honor, under a royal decree issued by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.&nbsp;ISPR said the honor recognizes Field Marshal Asim Munir&rsquo;s distinguished military service and leadership, as well as his key role in strengthening defense cooperation, strategic coordination, and institutional linkages between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The award also reflects his contributions to regional peace and stability, including sustained cooperation in counter-terrorism and security.&nbsp;The Saudi leadership appreciated the professionalism and strategic outlook of Pakistan&rsquo;s army chief, noting his commitment to further strengthening the longstanding brotherly ties between the two countries.&nbsp;Field Marshal Asim Munir expressed gratitude to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the Saudi leadership for the honor, describing it as a symbol of the enduring bonds between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He reaffirmed Pakistan&rsquo;s commitment to the security, stability, and prosperity of the Kingdom.&nbsp;The conferment of the medal underscores the depth of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and the shared resolve of both nations to further enhance strategic cooperation in pursuit of regional and global peace, ISPR added.

The ceremony took place during a reception hosted by Prince Khalid bin Salman at the Ministry of Defense in Riyadh.

CDF Munir awarded King Abdulaziz medal for his efforts to ‘advance Pak-Saudi ties’

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir underscored the need for national unity, rejection of extremism, and adherence to the writ of the state, saying that no individual or group has the authority to declare jihad in any Islamic state.&nbsp;He made these remarks during his address at the National Ulema and Mashaikh Conference held in Islamabad on Dec. 10, according to the details shared by PTV on Sunday. <div class="fr-embed"><div class="twitter-tweet twitter-tweet-rendered" style="display: flex; max-width: 550px; width: 100%; margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;"><iframe id="twitter-widget-1" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" style="position: static; visibility: visible; width: 550px; height: 722px; display: block; flex-grow: 1;" title="X Post" src="https://platform.twitter.com/embed/Tweet.html?dnt=false&embedId=twitter-widget-1&features=eyJ0ZndfdGltZWxpbmVfbGlzdCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOltdLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X2ZvbGxvd2VyX2NvdW50X3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9iYWNrZW5kIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19yZWZzcmNfc2Vzc2lvbiI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZm9zbnJfc29mdF9pbnRlcnZlbnRpb25zX2VuYWJsZWQiOnsiYnVja2V0Ijoib24iLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X21peGVkX21lZGlhXzE1ODk3Ijp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRyZWF0bWVudCIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfZXhwZXJpbWVudHNfY29va2llX2V4cGlyYXRpb24iOnsiYnVja2V0IjoxMjA5NjAwLCJ2ZXJzaW9uIjpudWxsfSwidGZ3X3Nob3dfYmlyZHdhdGNoX3Bpdm90c19lbmFibGVkIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6Im9uIiwidmVyc2lvbiI6bnVsbH0sInRmd19kdXBsaWNhdGVfc2NyaWJlc190b19zZXR0aW5ncyI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdXNlX3Byb2ZpbGVfaW1hZ2Vfc2hhcGVfZW5hYmxlZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdmlkZW9faGxzX2R5bmFtaWNfbWFuaWZlc3RzXzE1MDgyIjp7ImJ1Y2tldCI6InRydWVfYml0cmF0ZSIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfbGVnYWN5X3RpbWVsaW5lX3N1bnNldCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOnRydWUsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9LCJ0ZndfdHdlZXRfZWRpdF9mcm9udGVuZCI6eyJidWNrZXQiOiJvbiIsInZlcnNpb24iOm51bGx9fQ%3D%3D&frame=false&hideCard=false&hideThread=false&id=2002667282426908833&lang=en&origin=https%3A%2F%2Fmain.d1wrm1qseko1cp.amplifyapp.com%2Farticles%2F&sessionId=e0d8b861ad4673be6b7289b636bec3e477aecac6&theme=light&widgetsVersion=2615f7e52b7e0%3A1702314776716&width=550px">&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe></div></div>&nbsp;Field Marshal Munir spoke at length on the challenges facing Pakistan, including terrorism, national security, regional developments, military preparedness, and the importance of knowledge.&nbsp;The conference was attended by religious scholars and clerics representing various schools of thought from across the country.&nbsp;The army chief said Pakistan had been bestowed with the responsibility of being &ldquo;protector of the holy sites,&rdquo; adding that there was a deep ideological and historical linkage between the State of Madinah and the State of Pakistan.&nbsp;He noted that both were established on the foundation of the Kalima during the holy month of Ramazan.&nbsp;He said nations that abandoned their intellectual and scholarly heritage and the power of the pen eventually declined, stressing the importance of knowledge and thought leadership for national progress.&nbsp;Referring to counter-terrorism operations, Field Marshal Munir said Pakistan had witnessed divine assistance during Operation Bunyan-un-Marsoos. He reiterated that the state alone had the authority to issue decrees related to jihad, warning against the misuse of religious narratives.&nbsp;The army chief also expressed concern over terrorism targeting innocent civilians, including women and children, alleging that such acts were being carried out with the backing of Afghan Taliban elements. He said formations linked to &ldquo;Fitna al-Khawarij&rdquo; operating from Afghanistan included a significant number of Afghan nationals.&nbsp;Field Marshal Munir said Afghanistan would have to choose between supporting extremist elements and maintaining relations with Pakistan, adding that terrorism posed a serious threat to regional stability.&nbsp;The army chief concluded by calling for collective efforts to counter extremism, safeguard national security, and promote unity based on Pakistan&rsquo;s ideological foundations.

Army chief says Pakistan has been bestowed with the responsibility of being 'protector of the holy sites.'

Articles tagged with "Field Marshal Asim Munir"