India should avoid self-deception; Pakistan’s next reaction to be rapid, intense: Field Marshal

Rawalpindi: Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir delivered a clear message to Afghanistan, stating that the Afghan Taliban government must choose between supporting the “fitna of the Khwarij” or standing with Pakistan.

He also warned India not to fall prey to any illusions or miscalculations, adding that Pakistan’s response next time would be even swifter and more forceful.

Speaking at the General Headquarters (GHQ) during a ceremony, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir addressed officers of all three armed services, noting that the establishment of the new Defence Forces Headquarters marks a historic structural transformation.

The Field Marshal said that due to growing threats, the three armed forces must operate through an integrated system. In light of expanding and evolving challenges, he emphasized the need to further strengthen multi-domain operations under this unified framework.

He added that the creation of the Defence Forces Headquarters is an essential step toward this transformation. Each service will retain its distinct identity for operational preparedness, while the Defence Forces Headquarters will coordinate inter-service operations. All three forces will maintain internal autonomy as well as their organizational structures.

Field Marshal Asim Munir also warned India against any self-deception or misguided assumptions, stressing that Pakistan’s response in the future would be even faster and more intense.

Regarding Afghanistan, the Army Chief said that a clear message has been delivered to the Taliban regime: they must choose between the “fitna of the Khwarij” or Pakistan—there is no third option.

He further stated that Pakistan is a peace-loving nation, but it will not allow anyone to compromise its territorial integrity. He affirmed that Pakistan is inherently invincible, protected by faith-driven soldiers and the unwavering resolve of a united nation.

Earlier, after being appointed as the country’s first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir was presented with a guard of honour. The guard of honour was bestowed by all three branches of the armed forces at GHQ.