Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | February 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. DG ISPR warns Afghanistan to choose between terrorism or Pakistan
  2. PM visits GHQ
  3. US President heaps praise on PM Shahbaz Sharif and the Field Marshal
  4. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal government set up a subcommittee to oversee development projects
  5. The CDF/COAS receives comprehensive operational briefing on the security environment and internal security operations
  6. Prime Minister’s Interactions with the CDF / COAS
  7. Interactions of Field Marshal, CDF / COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

DG ISPR warns Afghanistan to choose between terrorists and Pakistan

On February 27, Director General, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry held press conference in Rawalpindi, highlighting Pakistan’s military operation, Ghazab Lil-Haq aimed at countering unprovoked attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure and hideouts in border regions. He informed that as of February 28, 104 Taliban posts were destroyed and 331 Taliban fighters were killed and significant military equipment including 163 tanks were destroyed, while terrorist hideouts and arms depots used by the terrorists suffered significant damage. 12 Pakistani soldiers were martyred while 27 were injured, with one personnel missing. Lt Gen Chaudhry said all targets were military in nature and care was taken to ensure safety of Afghan civilians. DG ISPR stated that the Afghan Taliban must choose between Pakistan and terrorist organisations, warning of a strong response against terrorists and their facilities. He added that attacks were carried out on 53 locations along the Pak-Afghan border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by the Afghan Taliban regime along with Fitna al Khawarij. During the question answer session, DG ISPR alleged Indian sponsorship behind the attacks and said the Afghan Taliban had failed to fulfil commitments made under the Doha Accord. He reiterated that all political parties support the National Action Plan (2014) and its revised framework, Vision Azm-i-Istehkam, and added that operations were ongoing.[1]

PM visits GHQ

On February 27 2026, Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif visited General Headquarters (GHQ) of Pakistan Army in Rawalpindi, where he was given a detailed briefing by military officials on the security situation, particularly clashes along the Afghan-Pakistan border. The Prime Minister condemned the recent incursions by Afghan forces, calling them “unacceptable” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a firm stance against any force threatening the country’s security. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CDF/COAS along with Federal Minister for Planning, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal; Federal Minister for Information, Mr. Attaullah Tarar; Special Assistant to the PM on Political Affairs, Rana Sanaullah; Special Assistant to PM on foreign Affairs, Mr. Tariq Fatemi were present during the briefing. The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan would adopt a zero-tolerance policy towards any group or alliance that undermines the country’s sovereignty and stressed the need to confront the alleged nexus between the Afghan Taliban and TTP-linked insurgents. He praised readiness of Pakistan’s armed forces, under the leadership of the Field Marshal, and stated that entire nation stands with the armed forces in defending the homeland underlining national unity in the face of cross-border hostilities.[2]

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US President heaps praises on PM Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal

WORLD leaders, including Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif, join US President Donald Trump for a group photo at the inaugural ‘Board of Peace’ meeting in Washington.—Reuters On February 19, United States President, Mr. Donald Trump used the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, attended by more than 20 world leaders, to portray Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state, stating that Pakistan chose de-escalation over war during the May 2025 conflict with India. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also addressed the summit, praising Mr. Trump for his efforts to help secure peace in South Asia and for initiatives aimed at achieving a lasting resolution in Gaza and the Palestinian issue. PM Sharif, while highlighting the plight of the Palestinian people, emphasized the need for adherence to international law and UN resolutions. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described President Trump as a “man of peace” and credited his diplomatic intervention for regional stability. PM said President Trump’s intervention to achieve ceasefire between India and Pakistan potentially averted large-scale casualties. The meeting was also attended by leaders from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazak­hstan, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, Qatar and others. President Trump repeatedly described Pakistan as a nuclear power that preferred peace and immediately accepted a proposal to end the conflict. President Trump rejected suggestions that fighting between India and Pakistan had been limited saying that multiple aircrafts, including 11 jets, were shot down, during the crisis. He added economic leverage proved decisive, warning both countries of “no trade deals” including the possibility of 200 percent tariffs, if hostilities continued. Mr. Trump also appreciated the leadership of Field Marshal, Syed Asim Munir, CDF and COAS.[3] In the context of Pak- Afghan clashes of February 27th, the US President said he would step in but noted Pakistan was doing terrifically well”, and that it is capable of handlings things on its own. He also stated that he gets along with Pakistan very well as they have a great Prime Minister and a great Field Marshal.[4]

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and federal government set up a subcommittee to oversee development projects

CM Sohail Afridi's low-key meeting with Corps Commander Peshawar raises eyebrows - Pakistan Observer On February 10, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the federal governments formed a subcommittee headed by Chief Minister, Mr. Sohail Afridi, to coordinate development and counterterrorism efforts. The committee will ensure ““comprehensive coordination and a united stance on key policy matters”, including terrorism. The decision was taken at Corps Headquarters Peshawar, attended by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, the National Security Adviser Lt General Asim Malik HI(M), Corps Commander Lt Gen Omer Ahmed Bokhari, and senior officials. The move followed disputes between KP and the Federal Government over counterterrorism. Meeting monthly, the committee, will review governance and development issues, promote alternative livelihoods, address concerns of temporarily displaced persons, and implement a phased governance model in Malakand, especially Khyber, Orakzai and Kurram. CM KP said the Pakistan Army would hand over command in Malakand to KP police and civilian authorities, calling the restoration of law and order a joint success and noted that the provincial apex committee will meet before the national apex committee for endorsement.[5]

The Field marshal receives comprehensive operational briefing on the security environment and internal security operations

https://www.ispr.gov.pk/archive_images/14772.jpeg On February 04, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CDF and COAS, visited Quetta for an operational briefing on Balochistan’s security situation. The briefing covered recent terrorist attacks by Indian-backed internationally-designated terrorists of Fitna al Hindustan and the swift response of security forces which prevented disruption of peace, and development in the province. Measures to strengthen the writ of the state and protect the populace and critical infrastructure were also discussed. CDF said no terrorist and its facilitator will be spared and all will be dealt strictly according to law, emphasizing that violence and terrorism cannot be justified under any pretext. Later, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir along with CM Balochistan visited Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Quetta, to meet injured personnel from Army, FC Balochistan and Police.[6]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with CDF / COAS

During February 2026, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and the CDF / COAS met only once on February 27, at General Head Quarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi, according to the information made public. [7]

Interactions of the CDF/COAS with Foreign Dignitaries

COAS pick: Lt Gen Asim Munir — a brief profile
Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) And Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

During February 2026, there were 10 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, CDF / COAS with the following foreign dignitaries.

  1. Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), on February 2, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[8]
  2. Field Marshal Khalifa Abu-al-Qasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, and Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief on February 2, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[9]
  3. His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with senior ministers on February 5, at Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) office.[10]
  4. Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, on February 11 at General Headquarters (GHQ) at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.[11]
  5. Mr Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of the Interior, Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Günter Sautter, Foreign Policy & Security Policy Advisor to Federal Chancellor of Germany and General Carsten Breuer, Chief of Defence, Federal Armed Forces, from February 12-14 at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, Germany. [12]
  6. Admiral Renato Rodrigues de Aguiar Freire, Chief of the Joint Staff, Brazilian Armed Forces, from February 12-14 at 62nd Munich Security Conference, Germany. [13]
  7. Gen Rodolph Haykal, Commander Armed Forces, Lebanese Republic from February 12-14 at 62nd Munich Security Conference, Germany. [14]
  8. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, from February 12-14 at 62nd Munich Security Conference, Germany. [15]

References

  1. “DG ISPR tells Afghan Taliban regime to choose between terrorist organisations and Pakistan,” DAWN online, February 27, 2026, accessed February 28, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/1976171/dg-ispr-tells-afghan-taliban-regime-to-choose-between-terrorist-organisations-and-pakistan ↑
  2. Zulfiqar Ahmed, “PM given briefing on security situation during visit to GHQ,” Business Recorder online, February 27, 2026, accessed February 28, 2026. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40409390/pm-given-briefing-on-security-situation-during-visit-to-ghq ↑
  3. Anwar Iqbal, “Trump paints Pakistan as ‘responsible nuclear state’,” Dawn online, February 20, 2026, accessed February 21, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/1974509/trump-paints-pakistan-as-responsible-nuclear-state ↑
  4. “Pakistan is doing terrifically well: Trump,” The News International online, February 28, 2026, accessed February 28, 2026. https://e.thenews.pk/detail?id=467567 ↑
  5. Manzoor Ali, “KP CM to head body overseeing uplift work, anti-terror ops,” Dawn online, February 11, 2026, accessed February 26, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/1972468/kp-cm-to-head-body-overseeing-uplift-work-anti-terror-ops ↑
  6. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, visited Quetta today,” ISPR online, February 04, 2026, accessed February 10, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7607 ↑
  7. Zulfiqar Ahmed, “PM given briefing on security situation during visit to GHQ,” Business Recorder online, February 27, 2026, accessed February 28, 2026. https://www.brecorder.com/news/40409390/pm-given-briefing-on-security-situation-during-visit-to-ghq ↑
  8. “Major General Mohammed Bin Saeed Al-Moghedi, Secretary General of the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, February 02, 2026, accessed February 05, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7602 ↑
  9. “Field Marshal Khalifa Abu-al-Qasim Haftar, Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, along with Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF, at General Headquarters (GHQ) today,” ISPR online, February 02, 2026, accessed February 03, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7601 ↑
  10. “His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with senior ministers paid an official visit to Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) as part of his visit to Pakistan,” ISPR online, February 05, 2026, accessed February 15, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7611 ↑
  11. “CDF Munir, Saudi defence minister discuss joint efforts to promote global peace and security,” Express Tribune online, February 12, 2026, accessed February 17, 2026. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2592214/cdf-munir-saudi-defence-minister-discuss-joint-efforts-to-promote-global-peace-and-security ↑
  12. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF visited Germany from 12 to 14 February to attend meetings on the sidelines of 62nd Munich Security Conference,” ISPR online, February 12, 2026, accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7621 ↑
  13. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF visited Germany from 12 to 14 February to attend meetings on the sidelines of 62nd Munich Security Conference,” ISPR online, February 12, 2026, accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7621 ↑
  14. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF visited Germany from 12 to 14 February to attend meetings on the sidelines of 62nd Munich Security Conference,” ISPR online, February 12, 2026, accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7621 ↑
  15. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, COAS & CDF visited Germany from 12 to 14 February to attend meetings on the sidelines of 62nd Munich Security Conference,” ISPR online, February 12, 2026, accessed February 19, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7621 ↑