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.
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS-CDF) presented with Tri Services Guard of Honour
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF meets Pakistan Under-19 cricket team
- Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF attends Christmas celebrations
- National Security and War Course
- 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference
- PM and Field Marshal join National Ulema Convention
- Field Marshal interacts with the participants of the 18th National Workshop
- Former DG ISI, Lt General (Retired) Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years over misuse of authority
- DG ISPR refers PTI founder as mentally ill and a national security threat without naming him
- Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS-CDF
- Interactions of COAS-CDF with Foreign Dignitaries
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS-CDF) presented with Tri Services Guard of Honour
Earlier, on November 13, the National Assembly approved the 27th Constitutional Amendment, creating the CDF post and granting Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir an extended tenure and broader authority over the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
On December 04, Field Marshal Asim Munir was named the country’s first CDF. The announcement came after the president approved the appointment, on the advice of PM Shehbaz Sharif, formally ending days of speculation over the delay in notification.[1]
On December 08, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS-CDF) was presented with a Tri- Services Guard of Honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi to formally mark the institution of the appointment of Chief of Army Staff-Chief of Defence Forces (COAS-CDF). The ceremony was attended by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu, Chief of Air Staff and senior military officers from all three services. Addressing tri-service officers, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces (COAS-CDF) reiterated the extraordinary courage and conviction displayed by the entire Pakistani nation, with particular emphasis on the professionalism of Armed Forces of Pakistan during Marka-e-Haq, conducted between May 6-10, 2025 against India. He highlighted that the multi-domain operations undertaken during Marka-e-Haq have now become a recognized textbook example and case study for future warfare. The Field Marshal emphasized the need for a formalized framework for tri-services integration, stressing alignment with evolving domains of warfare, including cyber space, the electromagnetic spectrum, outer space, information operations, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing. In his concluding remarks, he outlined a vision for the Armed Forces to become a future-ready and combat-capable military force.[2]
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF meets Pakistan Under-19 cricket team
On December 22, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF, met the Pakistan Under-19 cricket team at GHQ, Rawalpindi. He congratulated the players and management on their historic Asia Cup U-19 victory, highlighting discipline, teamwork and spirit. Field Marshal emphasized that their success reflects the talent and potential of Pakistan’s youth and encouraged them to maintain high standards, represent the country with professionalism, and contribute positively to national development.[3]
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF attends Christmas celebrations
On December 25, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF, attended Christmas celebrations at the Christ Church in Rawalpindi, extending greetings and best wishes for peace and prosperity. In the context of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s birthday, he also paid tribute to him, highlighting his vision of equality, freedom, and religious tolerance, and emphasized the protection of minority rights. The Field Marshal recognized the contributions of Pakistani Christians to national development and security, including their service in the Armed Forces, and stressed the importance of interfaith harmony, mutual respect, and unity, noting that Pakistan’s strength lies in its diversity and shared constitutional values.[4]
National Security and War Course
On December 23, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF met a panel of civil and military participants of the ongoing National Security and War Course at National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad. Field Marshal outlined the complex and evolving national, regional, and global security environment, emphasizing that the country faces broad and persistent challenges. He noted that these challenges span conventional, sub-conventional, intelligence, cyber, information, military, economic and other domains, requiring comprehensive multi-domain preparedness, continuous adaptation and synergy amongst all elements of national power.
Field Marshal highlighted that hostile elements increasingly employ indirect strategies, including proxy use, to exploit internal fault lines instead of direct confrontation. He stressed that future leaders must be trained and remain alert to recognize, anticipate, and counter multi-layered cognitive and asymmetric challenges. Field Marshal also highlighted that decision-making under uncertainty with clarity and intellectual resilience are critical attributes for operating in today’s complex and dynamic security environment.[5]
273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference
On December 24, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF, presided over the 273rd Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at GHQ, Rawalpindi. The forum conducted a comprehensive review of Pakistan’s internal and external security focusing on emerging threats, operational readiness, and the armed forces’ response to recent challenges. The forum reaffirmed that all terrorists, their facilitators, and abettors, including those operating Indian sponsored proxies, would be eliminated decisively, stressing a zero-tolerance policy towards, militancy.
The conference denounced links between terrorism, crime, and political interests, emphasizing that no malicious agenda, political or otherwise would be tolerated. The references to ‘political interests’ and ‘malicious agenda, political or otherwise’ in the post-conference ISPR statement were considered significant under the prevailing circumstances.
The forum further emphasized that no group or individual could divide the armed forces and the people, reaffirming institutional cohesion and public trust. Participants appreciated the Balochistan Special Development Initiatives, as public-focused solutions integrating governance, development, and counterterrorism highlighting the need to replicate such initiatives nationwide in line with the National Action Plan.
Forum reiterated Pakistan’s support for the Kashmiri self-determination and called for immediate Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian access, and a credible pathway toward Palestinian statehood. Concluding the conference, the COAS and CDF expressed full confidence in the Pakistan Army’s capability across conventional hybrid, and asymmetric threats, while protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity.[6]
PM and the Field Marshal join National Ulema Convention
On December 10, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF addressed the National Ulema Convention.. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan could not achieve sustainable economic growth without eliminating terrorism, extremism, and sectarianism, and urged ulema to promote unity, harmony, and national cohesion. He noted the country’s growing international recognition and security challenges. Addressing the gathering, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir called on religious scholars to help strengthen national unity and broaden public thinking, stressing that in an Islamic state, only the state has the authority to declare jihad. He described Pakistan’s success in Maarka-e-Haq as a blessing from Allah; highlighted the defence agreement with Saudi Arabia as a historic development, and emphasised that national strength and honour come through unity, knowledge, and hard work, not division.[7]
Field Marshal interacts with the participants of the 18th National Workshop
On December 31, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF, interacted with the participants of the 18th National Workshop on Balochistan at the GHQ. The workshop focused on exploring Balochistan’s socio-economic development and its strategic importance for Pakistan. During his address, the COAS-CDF appreciated the resilience and patriotism of the people of Balochistan while highlighting its key role in national development. He lauded the wide ranging initiatives being undertaken by the federal and provincial governments, underscoring a people centric approach that aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions and unlocking the province’s economic potential for its residents. The COAS-CDF acknowledged the constructive role of civil society, particularly in promoting awareness and highlighted their crucial part in driving sustainable development. He stressed the importance of rejecting vested political agendas to ensure that Balochistan’s future is shaped by long-term prosperity for all its residents. The COAS-CDF remarked that Indian-sponsored proxies continue to propagate violence and disrupt development in Balochistan and reaffirmed that these threats will be countered decisively to maintain peace and stability.[8]
Former DG ISI, former Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed sentenced to 14 years rigorous imprisonment over misuse of authority
On December 11, a Field General Court Martial (FGCM) sentenced former Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Director General former Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment after finding him guilty on four major charges. According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the charges included engaging in political activities, violating the Official Secrets Act in a manner detrimental to the safety and interests of the state, misuse of authority and government resources, and causing wrongful loss to individuals. The court formally issued the sentence following due legal process. The court-martial proceedings began on August 12, 2024, when the retired Lt. Gen. Faiz Hameed was taken into military custody under the provisions of the Pakistan Army Act. The FGCM proceedings spanned approximately 15 months, during which, he was provided full legal rights including defence representation.
ISPR explained that the proceedings followed a Supreme Court directive ordering a detailed Court of Inquiry into allegations arising from the Top City case against the former spymaster. The inquiry upheld the allegations, promoting action under the Army Act. ISPR further stated that multiple violations of the Pakistan Army Act committed after Mr. Faiz Hameed’s retirement were also established, forming part of the basis for the FGCM. In November 2024, the Supreme Court had described the allegations against him as being of an “extremely serious nature”, warning that ignoring them could damage the credibility of the national institutions if proven true.
Separately, ISPR noted that Mr. Faiz Hameed’s alleged role in fomenting political agitation and instability, in collusion with political elements, is being addressed through an independent investigation. He was previously arraigned on related charges. The statement also said that his alleged involvement in unrest, including incidents after May 9, 2023, was under separate investigation for acting at the behest of the vested political interests. Under Section 133B of the Pakistan Army Act, 1952, Mr. Faiz Hameed has the right to appeal within 40 days. According to his lawyer, an appeal against the military court’s verdict has been filed. Under the Pakistan Army Act, such appeals are reviewed by a Court of Appeals headed by a senior military officer designated by the Chief of Army Staff, who retains the authority to confirm, revise, or overturn the sentence. A mercy petition may be submitted thereafter.
Information Minister, Mr. Atta Tarar described the verdict as historic, reinforcing accountability and rule of law while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister, Mr. Sohail Afridi termed it a matter handled within the state institutional process.[9]
DG ISPR refers PTI founder as mentally ill and a national security threat
On December 5, DG ISPR Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry delivered a forceful media briefing criticising Imran Khan, without naming him, for anti-army rhetoric, calling it a national security concern. The briefing, which lasted over two hours, focused on internal security challenges. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry accused Khan of running an anti-state narrative and that the campaigns were promoting unrest. He said this escalated during Khan’s Adiala Jail meetings with the visitors. The ISPR chief described Khan as driven by personal ego, placing personal ambition above national interest. He claimed Khan repeatedly targeted the armed forces, undermining national security. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry referred to Khan’s alleged role in the May 9, 2023 unrest and his criticism of military leadership despite the army defending Pakistan during the May 2025 conflict with India.
DG ISPR also criticised propaganda around the CDF notification calling it false and amplified abroad. He defended counterterrorism operations in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, praising security personnel. He stressed that terrorism requires political will and warned critics against undermining national unity. He stated that the elected government is supreme, while the army works under civilian authority. Freedom of expression exists but must not threaten national security; media must distinguish fact from disinformation. Lt. Gen. Chaudhry called on political actors to keep the military out of partisan politics and urged national focus on governance, food security, water management, and population pressures.[10]
Prime Minister’s Interactions with Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces (COAS-CDF)
During December 2025, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal met twice:
Interactions of the Field Marshal with Foreign Dignitaries
During December 2025, there were following 9 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS-CDF with foreign dignitaries.
- H.E. Dr. Badr Ahmed Mohamed Abdelatty, Foreign Minister of Egypt, on December 1, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[13]
- Mr. Alparslan Bayraktar, Minister of Energy of Türkiye, on December 2, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[14]
- H.H. Gen. Shaikh Mohammad Bin Isa Bin Salman Al Khalifa, the Commander of Bahrain National Guard, on December 3, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[15]
- Lt. Gen. Fahad Bin Saud Al-Johani, Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, on December 3, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[16]
- H.E. President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia, on December 9, in Islamabad.[17]
- Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief, and Lt Gen Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, on December 18, in Libya.[18]
- HRH Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia, on December 22, in Riyadh.[19]
- H.E. Maj Gen Yousef Ahmed A. Al Huneiti, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Jordanian Armed Forces, on December 25, at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[20]
- UAE President HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on December 26, in Islamabad.[21]