Armed forces recalibrating strategy for evolving warfare: CDF

ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said Pakistan’s armed forces are recalibrating their employment and development strategies to match the evolving character of warfare, while vowing that terrorism emanating from across the country’s borders would be “crushed with the full might of the state.” Addressing graduating officers of the National Security and War Course at the National Defence University (NDU), the Field Marshal said the changing security environment required strategic clarity, institutional professionalism and leadership capable of responding to hybrid, conventional and sub-conventional threats. He said the armed forces remained fully cognizant of what he described as state-sponsored attempts by hostile intelligence agencies to destabilise Pakistan through proxy networks, adding that such efforts would not be allowed to undermine the country’s internal security or economic prosperity. The Field Marshal reiterated that terrorism originating from across the borders would be decisively defeated and that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, would dismantle terrorist sanctuaries and their facilitators. Highlighting the transformation underway within the military, he said Pakistan’s armed forces were aligning their operational employment and force development strategies with the evolving character of warfare to effectively address emerging security challenges. He also praised the National Defence University for preparing future military and civilian leaders to navigate increasingly complex strategic issues with foresight, confidence and resolve. Commenting on the nature of conflict, the army chief said wars are not won through media rhetoric or political sloganeering but through faith, unity, and discipline. Concluding his address, the Field Marshal expressed confidence in the professionalism, morale and operational readiness of Pakistan’s battle-hardened armed forces and urged the graduating officers to uphold the values of integrity, selfless service and unwavering commitment to the nation. Earlier, upon his arrival at the National Defence University, the Field Marshal was received by the President of NDU, Lieutenant General Babar Iftikhar. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026