This update is meant to identify key developments during the month on Performance of Democratic Institutions in Pakistan with selected high-profile international developments included occasionally.
- ISPR clarifies Field Marshal did not make any political statements
- Government appoints a serving major general at key Ministry of interior post
- COAS emphasized the need for good governance, infrastructure development and people-centric progress in Balochistan
- COAS addresses Pakistani American Community
- Prime Minister’s Interactions with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Interactions of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with Foreign Dignitaries
ISPR clarifies Field Marshal did not make any political statements
On August 21, Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, DG, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), while speaking with journalists in Islamabad, clarified that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, did not issue any political statements or seek any apology during a recent trip to Brussels. This clarification came in response to a column by senior journalist Sohail Warraich, which gave an impression as if the Army Chief had “sought an apology over the May 9 riots”. DG ISPR reiterated that the planners and enablers of May 9, 2023 must be held accountable under law.[1] On August 16, Mr. Sohail Warraich had written that his meeting in Brussels, FM Syed Asim Munir personally dismissed speculation about changes in the presidency and premiership, calling them the work of elements conspiring against the ruling setup with the aim of creating political anarchy. In July 2025, speculation was rampant that President Asif Ali Zardari may soon step down, paving the way for the army chief to assume the country’s presidency and that the work was underway to replace the current parliamentary system with a presidential form of government. The rumours had already been publicly rejected by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and DG ISPR as “nonsense”. At the Brussels gathering, FM Syed Asim Munir was also quoted as saying that “Allah has made me protector of the country, and I desire no position beyond that.” He praised the prime minister, federal cabinet, and government for their determination and resilience during the May 2025 conflict with India. COAS said that political reconciliation is possible only if there is a sincere apology. Although it does not specify who the army chief was referring to or who the question was about. He further emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to maintaining balance in relations with both the US and China, stressing that the country would not sacrifice one friendship for the other.[2]
Government appoints a serving major general at key Ministry of interior post
On August 25, government appointed a serving army officer, Major General Noor Wali Khan, HI (M) as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Interior. In July 2025, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had signaled his intention to induct a serving army officer into the interior ministry, citing the need for effective and better coordination between civil armed forces, which report to the ministry, and the military in counter-terrorism operations. The paramilitary and civil armed forces under the ministry’s administrative control include the Frontier Corps, Rangers, Pakistan Coast Guards, Gilgit-Baltistan Scouts, and the newly established Federal Constabulary. Major General Khan has previously served in important military and intelligence posting.[3]
COAS emphasized the need for good governance, infrastructure development and people centric progress in Balochistan
On August 23, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, visited Turbat, Balochistan. The visit aimed to review the prevailing security situation, assess development initiatives, and strengthen coordination between military and civil institutions for the stability and prosperity of the province. The Chief Minister, Chief Secretary Balochistan and other officials of Balochistan were also present. COAS was given a comprehensive brief on the security dynamics including threat environment, and successful operations against ‘Fitna al Hindustan’, ongoing development projects, and socio-economic initiatives in southern Balochistan. He emphasized the need for good governance, infrastructure development, and inclusive, people-centric progress stressing the significance of joint civil military efforts in addressing the challenges faced by the people of Balochistan. He reaffirmed unwavering support for all initiatives aimed at socio-economic development in Southern Balochistan.[4]
COAS addresses Pakistani American Community
On August 10, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), FM Syed Asim Munir, while addressing members of the Pakistani-American community at a dinner in Tampa, warned that Pakistan will never allow India to choke Indus River and will defend its water rights at all costs. The dinner was hosted by Mr. Adnan Asad, Pakistan’s Honorary Consul in Tampa and attended by Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi; Ambassador Rizwan Shaikh, embassy officials, and prominent diaspora members. COAS cautioned that Pakistan would be prepared to destroy any controversial dam India attempted to construct to divert the water of the rivers allocated to Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty and stressed that the country has ample resources to counter Indian designs against the river. The army chief described overseas Pakistanis as “a source of dignity and pride” and “a brain gain, not a brain drain” crediting them for their commitment to the homeland and rapid mobilisation in national emergencies. Field Marshal urged them to “remain confident in Pakistan’s bright future” and actively attract investment, highlighting untapped potential in minerals, energy, and emerging technologies. COAS cautioned that social media, while powerful, was often exploited by anti-state actors to spread “manufactured chaos”. With 64 % of Pakistan’s population under 30, he stressed, the youth’s talent and energy would shape the country’s future. He also accused India’s intelligence agency RAW being involved in transnational terrorism, citing incidents in Canada and Qatar, as well as the arrest of Indian spy Kulbhusan Jadhav. COAS thanked US President Trump for his “strategic leadership” in preventing an India Pakistan war and other global conflicts. He emphasized that his second US visit marked “a new chapter” in bilateral ties, aimed at building a constructive, long-term partnership and highlighted prospects for major investments from the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and China.[5] COAS also attended the retirement ceremony of outgoing CENTCOM Commander, General Michael E. Kurilla, and the change of command ceremony marking the assumption of command by Admiral Brad Cooper.
Prime Minister’s Interactions with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
During August 2025, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met twice:
- On August 1, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met at a grand ceremony to mark Marka-i-Haq and Independence Day at Sports Complex, Islamabad.[6]
- On August 22, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met during a meeting with the visiting Chinese Foreign Minister, Mr. Wang Yi at PM House, Islamabad.[7]
Interactions of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with Foreign Dignitaries
FM Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff During August 2025, there were 5 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with foreign dignitaries.
- On August 1, His Excellency Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan met with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at 98th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[8]
- On August 3, Iranian President, Mr. Masoud Pezeshkian called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[9]
- On August 10, during the visit to the United States, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met with outgoing Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael E. Kurilla and Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine.[10]
- On August 22, Foreign Minister of China, H.E. Mr. Wang Yi called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[11]