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New Delhi: Asserting his authority on the national and regional stage, Pakistan's first Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Field Marshal Asim Munir, delivered a stern and provocative message to both India and the Afghan Taliban.
In a ceremony marking his historic appointment, Munir warned India of an "even more swift, severe, and intense" response to any future aggression. Simultaneously, Munir issued a stark ultimatum to Kabul regarding the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Munir, who assumed the unprecedented role last week, consolidating command over Pakistan's formidable tri-services and its nuclear arsenal, declared that India should carry "no delusion" about Pakistan's retaliatory capabilities. "India should not be in any delusion, Pakistan's response will be even more swift and intense," he said. Munir was addressing officers at a ceremony honouring his ascension to the country's first CDF.
This forceful declaration comes against the backdrop of recent regional tensions, including India's Operation Sindoor on May 7th. That operation targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. The Indian strikes had triggered four days of intense cross-border clashes, eventually concluding with a mutual understanding to cease military actions on May 10th.
While asserting Pakistan's "peaceful intentions", Munir simultaneously drew a red line, warning that Islamabad's territorial integrity and sovereignty would not be tested. The Field Marshal, who now concurrently serves as Chief of Army Staff, was presented with a ceremonial guard of honour by contingents from all three services, the Pakistan Army, Navy, and Air Force.
A stark choice for Kabul: TTP or Pakistan
Turning his attention westward, Munir issued a potent warning to the Afghan Taliban regime in Kabul. Drawing a clear distinction, he declared, "The Taliban have no option but to choose between Fitna-al-Khawarij (TTP) and Pakistan." The term "Fitna al-Khawarij" refers to a historical group known for its violence, a designation the Pakistani government officially applied to the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban (TTP) last year.
A unified command for evolving threats
Munir also lauded the establishment of the new Defence Forces Headquarters, calling it a " symbol of the fundamental change that was historic." he emphasised the imperative to "further improve multi-domain operations under the unified system of the three forces" in response to "growing and changing threats.
While coordinating operations, he assured that each service would maintain its unique identity and operational preparedness. The event saw the attendance of the Pakistan Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Baber Sidhu, Chief of Naval Staff Naaved Ashraf, and other senior military leadership.
