‘India Shouldn’t Be Victim Of Self-Deception…’: Asim Munir In First Address As Tri-Services Chief

Last Updated:December 08, 2025, 21:51 IST

Without naming ‘Operation Sindoor’, CDF and Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir said the country’s next response to any aggression will be “much more swift and severe”

Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir speaks during a ceremony at the joint military command headquarters in Rawalpindi on December 8, 2025. (Image: ISPR/AP)

In his historic first address as Chief of Defense Forces, Pakistani Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir vowed to protect Pakistan while sending an unequivocal message to regional rivals, India and the Afghan Taliban. 

Field Marshal Asim Munir issued a subtle, if not direct, warning to India particularly and said the neighbouring country “should not be a victim of self-deception and assumption”.

Indirectly referring to India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, he said Pakistan’s next response to any kind of aggression will be “much more swift and severe”.

“India should not be a victim of any self-deception or assumption, next time Pakistan’s response will be even swifter and more severe,” said Field Marshal Munir, following a guard of honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ) to celebrate his appointment.

In his comprehensive address to officers of all three services – army, navy, and air force – since officially assuming the role of Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), he also focused on the establishment of the newly created Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ) that he described as a historic symbol of fundamental change.

“In view of the growing and changing threats, it is essential that we further improve multi-domain operations under a unified system of the three services,” he said. 

Field Marshal Munir said the establishment of the DFHQ is seen as a necessary step towards this improvement. While it aims for the unity of the high command and will coordinate the operations of the services, he stressed that the three services will maintain their internal autonomy and organisational structure. He said each service will retain its own uniqueness for operational preparedness.

WHAT DID ASIM MUNIR SAY ABOUT INDIA, AFGHANISTAN?

In his strategic warnings, Field Marshal Asim Munir focused first on India reiterating that Pakistan is a peace-loving country, but cautioning that no one will be allowed to threaten Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, or test its resolve.

He specifically warned India not to be “a victim of any self-deception or assumption” and made it clear that if aggression occurs, Pakistan’s response will be “much more swift and severe”. He proclaimed that the concept of Pakistan is invincible and is protected by the steadfast determination of heroes filled with faith and a united nation.

Field Marshal Munir also directed a stern message to the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul regarding border tensions.

“A clear message has been given to the Taliban regime that they have no option but to choose between the tribulation of the Khawarij or Pakistan,” he said, referring to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) that the Pakistani government had last year notified as “Fitna al-Khawarij” – a group in earlier Islamic history known for violence.

News world ‘India Shouldn’t Be Victim Of Self-Deception…’: Asim Munir In First Address As Tri-Services Chief

Read More

Read More