Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | August 2026

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.

  1. Presi­d­ent confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Syed Aamer Raza, Com­m­ander of National Stra­te­gic Command (CNSC)
  2. PM, President praises CDF for victory against India
  3. Field Marshal interacts with notables and Political Leadership of Balochistan
  4. Field Marshal interacts with a delegation of students from Harvard Business School
  5. National Assembly, Senate pass the Defence Forces Act 2026, paving way for establishment of the Defence Forces Headquarters
  6. Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
  7. Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the Chairman, Senate of Pakistan
  8. Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS / CDF
  9. Interactions of COAS / CDF with Foreign Dignitaries

Presi­d­ent confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Syed Aamer Raza, Com­m­ander of National Stra­te­gic Command (CNSC)

On August 11, President Asif Ali Zardari conferred the Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Syed Aamer Raza, Commander of the National Strategic Command, at a ceremony at the President House, Islamabad, in recognition of his distinguished services to Pakistan’s defence and security. Senior civil and military officials, parliamentarians and members of the diplomatic community attended. Afterwards, General Raza paid a courtesy call on the President.[1] On July 24, the government had completed the restructuring of the higher military command initiated under the 27th Constitutional Amendment (2025) by appointing General Syed Aamer Raza as the country’s first Commander of the National Strategic Command, a new four-star position overseeing the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces.

PM, President praises CDF for victory against India

Yadgar-e-Fatah monument inaugurated in Islamabad ahead of Independence Day On August 13, the Yadgar-i-Fatah monument, commemorating Pakistan’s May 2025 conflict with India and honouring the martyrs, was inaugurated in Islamabad by President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir. Senior civil and military officials and foreign diplomats attended the ceremony. Prime Minister Shehbaz praised Field Marshal Munir’s leadership during the conflict, while President Zardari commended his role in responding to India and facilitating US-Iran peace efforts.[2]

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Field Marshal interacts with notables and Political Leadership of Balochistan

On August 21, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), interacted with notables and political leadership of Balochistan. He underscored that Balochistan’s future is intrinsically linked to Pakistan’s, stressing that peace, stability, and a clear national narrative are essential to unlocking the province’s economic potential and attracting investment. He also emphasized youth empowerment and opportunities for national development. COAS & CDF stated that Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan were foreign-sponsored proxies seeking to destabilize Balochistan and undermine state-society relations, while appreciating local leaders’ role in promoting peace, social cohesion, and countering hostile propaganda.[3]

Field Marshal interacts with a delegation of students from Harvard Business School

On August 28, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), interacted with a delegation of Harvard Business School students from multiple countries visiting Pakistan. The discussion covered regional and global developments, Pakistan’s security outlook, and efforts to promote peace and stability. Field Marshal emphasized education, skills development, entrepreneurship, and fact-based analysis to help youth navigate an increasingly volatile world shaped by social media and propaganda.[4] Students from Harvard Business School highlighted tremendous potential and opportunities that Pakistan possesses.

National Assembly, Senate pass the Defence Forces Act 2026, paving way for establishment of the Defence Forces’ Headquarters

photo file On August 21, the National Assembly and Senate passed the Defence Forces Act, 2026, establishing the Defence Forces’ Headquarters under the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), who will serve as the Principal Military Adviser to the Prime Minister on national security, defence, and armed forces matters. The Act provides the CDF with joint operational command and control of the armed forces and responsibility for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, and coordination of tri-services and strategic matters. The Act, introduced as a continuation of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, will take effect from November 13, 2025. Parliament also passed the National Command Authority (Amendment) Bill, 2026, following the abolition of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) under the 27th Amendment. The amendments replace references to the CJCSC with the Chief of Army Staff, concurrently Chief of Defence Forces, and introduce the title “Commander of the National Command Authority.” The federal cabinet had earlier approved both bills before their passage by the Parliament.[5]

Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan

National Assembly of Pakistan During August 2026, there were 3 meetings of Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan with foreign dignitaries.

  1. Mr. Ondřej Dostál, Member of the European Parliament, on August 10, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[6]
  2. A six-member Malaysian parliamentary delegation led by Interior Minister Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, on August 21, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[7]
  3. Mr. Muhammad Yahya, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Pakistan, on August 24, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[8]

Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the Chairman, Senate of Pakistan

National Assembly of Pakistan During August 2026, there were 8 meetings of Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Chairman, Senate of Pakistan with foreign dignitaries.

  1. A delegation of ‘Save the Children’, comprising Mr. Francis Woods, Global Program Director, Save the Children Australia; Mr. Arshad Malik, Regional Director; and Mr. Khurram Gondal, Country Director, Save the Children Pakistan, on August 7, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[9]
  2. A Chinese delegation led by Mr. Liu Daxiu, on August 13, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[10]
  3. H.E. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, and a visiting delegation from the Party Building Research Institute of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, on August 13, 2026, at the seminar “Thematic Briefing on Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” in Islamabad.[11]
  4. H.E. Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez, Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, on August 19, 2026, at Chairman Gilani’s residence in Islamabad.[12]
  5. H.E. Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, along with a delegation, on August 21, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[13]
  6. H.E. Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani, prominent Qatari businessman and senior member of the Royal Family of Qatar, on August 23, 2026, in Islamabad.[14]
  7. H.E. Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Sen, President of the Senate of Cambodia, on August 27, 2026, during the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Phnom Penh.[15]
  8. His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni of Cambodia, on August 29, 2026, on the sidelines of the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Phnom Penh.[16]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with the COAS/CDF

During August 2026, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS & CDF met 4 times:

  1. On August 07, at the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.[17]
  2. On August 11, at conferring ceremony of Nishan-i-Imtiaz (Military) upon General Syed Aamer Raza, Com­m­ander of National Stra­te­gic Command (CNSC) at President House, Islamabad [18]
  3. On August 13, at inauguration of Yadgar-i-Fatah monument in Islamabad. [19]
  4. On August 21, at Balochistan National Workshop held in Islamabad.[20]

Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the COAS/CDF

COAS pick: Lt Gen Asim Munir — a brief profile Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) During August 2026, there were 18 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS and CDF with foreign dignitaries.

  1. H.E. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of China to Pakistan, on August 1, 2026, at the 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[21]
  2. H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, Defence Minister of Somalia, leading a high-level delegation, on August 6, 2026, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. [22]
  3. H.E. Mohammad bin Salman, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, and H.E. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, President of Türkiye, on August 7, 2026, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, during the signing of the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement.[23]
  4. H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Norway, leading a high-level delegation, on August 13, 2026, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[24]
  5. Mr. Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail, Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, accompanied by the Malaysian Ambassador and a high-level delegation, on August 21, 2026, at GHQ, Rawalpindi. [25]
  6. Lt. Gen. Banza Mwilambwe Jules, Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading a high-level defence delegation, on August 21, 2026, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[26]
  7. H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Iran; H.E. Mohsen Rezaei, Representative of the Supreme Leader on the Supreme National Security Council; H.E. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament; H.E. Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Foreign Minister; and H.E. Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister, on August 25, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.[27]
  8. H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah, Minister of Defence of Kuwait, accompanied by H.E. Lt. Gen. Khalid Darj Saad Al-Shriaan, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kuwait, on August 27, 2026, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[28]
  9. H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, on August 28, 2026, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[29]
  10. A delegation of students from Harvard Business School representing multiple countries, on August 28, 2026, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[30]
  11. H.R.H. Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia; H.E. Hakan Fidan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye; H.E. Yaşar Güler, Minister of National Defence of Türkiye; and General Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, on August 31, 2026, in Istanbul, Türkiye.[31]

References

  1. Syed Ali Raza, “President confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz upon CNSC Gen Raza,” DAWN online, August 12, 2026, accessed on August 15, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2022288/president-confers-nishan-i-imtiaz-upon-cnsc-gen-raza ↑
  2. “Yadgar-i-Fatah monument inaugurated in Islamabad on eve of Independence Day,” Dawn online, August 13, 2026, accessed August 18, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2022603/yadgar-i-fatah-monument-inaugurated-in-islamabad-on-eve-of-independence-day ↑
  3. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), interacted with notables and political leadership of Balochistan,” ISPR nline, August 21, 2026, accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7758 ↑
  4. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) interacted with a delegation of students from Harvard Business School, representing multiple countries, during their visit to Pakistan,” ISPR online, August 28, 2026, accessed August 30, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7767 ↑
  5. “NA, Senate pass law to create Defence Forces HQ,” The News International online, August 21, 2026, accessed August 21, 2026. https://www.thenews.pk/print/1433178-na-senate-pass-law-to-create-defence-forces-hq ↑
  6. “Member of European Parliament Mr.Ondřej Dostál calls on NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq – August 10, 2026,” National Assembly of Pakistan online, August 10, 2026, accessed August 13, 2026. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#7979 ↑
  7. “Malaysian Parliamentary delegation led by Malaysian Interior Minister call on NA Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq – August 21, 2026,” National Assembly of Pakistan online, August 21, 2026, accessed August 24, 2026. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#8005 ↑
  8. “UN Resident Coordinator in Pakistan Muhammad Yahya Calls on NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq – August 24, 2026,” National Assembly of Pakistan online, August 24, 2026, accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#8007 ↑
  9. “hairman Senate Calls for Greater Investment in Children and Youth During Meeting with Save the Children Delegation”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 7, 2026, accessed August 10, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=Nzc2MQ== ↑
  10. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with Chinese delegation led by Mr. Liu Daxiu in Islamabad”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 13, 2026, accessed August 13, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=Nzc5MA== ↑
  11. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressing as chief guest at a seminar “Thematic Briefing on Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building” in Islamabad.”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 13, 2026, accessed August 13, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=Nzc4OQ== ↑
  12. “Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, H.E. Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez, called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at his residence in Islamabad”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 19, 2026, accessed August 19, 2026.

    https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzgwNg== ↑

  13. “ Chairman Senate Welcomes Malaysian Interior Minister, Calls for Further Strengthening of Pakistan–Malaysia Relations”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 21, 2026, accessed August 24, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzgxNA== ↑
  14. “Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with H.E. Sheikh Nayef Bin Eid Al Thani, prominent businessman and senior member of the Royal Family of Qatar”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 23, 2026, accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzgxNg== ↑
  15. “Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addresses Inaugural Session of 2nd ISC in Phnom Penh”, Senate of Pakistan online, August 27, 2026, accessed on August 27, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzgyNw== ↑
  16. “Chairman Senate of Pakistan and Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, in a group photo with His Majesty the King of Cambodia Norodom Sihamoni, in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference,” Senate of Pakistan online, August 29, 2026, accessed August 31, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzgzNA== ↑
  17. “Pakistan joins Saudi Arabia, Turkiye in ‘all for one’ pact,” DAWN online, August 08, 2026, accessed August 15, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2021421/pakistan-joins-saudi-arabia-turkiye-in-all-for-one-pact ↑
  18. Syed Ali Raza, “President confers Nishan-i-Imtiaz upon CNSC Gen Raza,” DAWN online, August 12, 2026, accessed on August 15, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2022288/president-confers-nishan-i-imtiaz-upon-cnsc-gen-raza ↑
  19. “Yadgar-i-Fatah monument inaugurated in Islamabad on eve of Independence Day,” Dawn online, August 13, 2026, accessed August 18, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2022603/yadgar-i-fatah-monument-inaugurated-in-islamabad-on-eve-of-independence-day ↑
  20. “Premier, army chief call for talks, uplift in Balochistan,” DAWN online, August 22, 2026, accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2021421/pakistan-joins-saudi-arabia-turkiye-in-all-for-one-pact ↑
  21. “The 99th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China was commemorated at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, August 1, 2026, accessed August 5, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7740 ↑
  22. “A high-level delegation from the Federal Republic of Somalia, led by Defence Minister H.E. Ambassador Ahmed Moallim Fiqi, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, August 06, 2026, accessed August 09, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7746 ↑
  23. “Pakistan joins Saudi Arabia, Turkiye in ‘all for one’ pact,” DAWN online, August 08, 2026, accessed August 15, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2021421/pakistan-joins-saudi-arabia-turkiye-in-all-for-one-pact ↑
  24. “A high-level delegation from the Kingdom of Norway, led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Espen Barth Eide, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, August 15, 2026, accessed August 15, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7753 ↑
  25. “Minister of Home Affairs of Malaysia, Mr. Saifuddin Nasution Bin Ismail, along with the Malaysian Ambassador to Pakistan and a high-level delegation called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, August 21, 2026, accessed August 25 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7763 ↑
  26. “A high-level defence delegation of the Democratic Republic of Congo, headed by Lieutenant General Banza Mwilambwe Jules, Chief of Defence of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online August 21, 2026, accessed August 25, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7761 ↑
  27. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, along with Minister for Interior Mr Mohsin Naqvi, concluded a day-long visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran, as part of Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to end the stalemate in the ongoing US-Iran conflict and explore ways for achieving enduring peace and permanent end to instability in the region,” ISPR online, August 25, 2026, accessed August 26, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7765 ↑
  28. “A high-level delegation from Kuwait, led by H.H. Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al-Saleem Al-Sabah, Minister of Defence, accompanied by H.E. Lieutenant General Khalid Darj Saad Al-Shriaan, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of Kuwait, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, August 27, 2026, accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7766 ↑
  29. “H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Abdulmohsen AlFadley, Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, August 28, 2026, accessed August 29, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7768 ↑
  30. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF) interacted with a delegation of students from Harvard Business School, representing multiple countries, during their visit to Pakistan,” ISPR online, August 28, 2026, accessed August 28, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7767 ↑
  31. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS & CDF), during his official visit to Türkiye, held a series of high-level engagements in Istanbul,” ISPR online, August 31, 2026, accessed September 1, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7772 ↑