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 highlights evolving character of warfare
- Interior Minister says government considering to appoint a senior serving or retired army officer to head ministry’s civil armed forces wing
- 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC)
- COAS addresses 16th National Workshop Balochistan
- Pakistan hosts Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference
- Prime Minister’s Interactions with Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
- Interactions of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with Foreign Dignitaries
Field Marshal highlights evolving character of warfare
On July 07, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), visited the National Defence University (NDU) Islamabad, where he addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War Course, comprising participants from all services. He highlighted the evolving character of warfare and underscored the centrality of mental preparedness, operational clarity, and institutional professionalism. COAS lauded the role of premier institutions like NDU in enhancing civil-military synergy and nurturing future leadership capable of mitigating hybrid, conventional, and sub-conventional threats.[1]
Interior Minister says government considering to appoint a senior serving or retired army officer to head ministry’s civil armed forces wing
On July 18, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the government is considering a proposal to appoint a senior serving or retired army officer to head the ministry’s civil armed forces wing. During a briefing with reporters, he explained the move aimed to ensure better coordination between the civil armed forces, the military, and other stakeholders in counterterrorism efforts. He clarified that the proposed officer would report to the interior secretary and have no involvement in other ministry departments, such as internal security, immigration, or anti-corruption. Naqvi added that the need for a federal force had led to the proposal to transform the Frontier Constabulary into a nationwide Federal Constabulary.[2]
271st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC)
On July 10, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), chaired the 271st Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at the General Headquarters (GHQ). The forum strongly emphasized the need for decisive, comprehensive action against Indian-backed proxies. India, after its failure post-Pahalgam incident, is now using proxies like Fitna Al Khawarij and Fitna Al Hindustan to advance its agenda. The COAS shared details of Pakistan’s successful diplomatic engagements, including recent visits to Iran, Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where he accompanied the Prime Minister. The forum was also briefed on the COAS’s historic visit to the US, where meetings with top leadership allowed Pakistan to present its position on key regional and global issues. The forum reviewed internal and external security dynamics, with focus on Middle East developments and the rising global tendency to use force, underlining the need for self-reliant defence capabilities and national unity.[3]
COAS addresses 16th National Workshop Balochistan
On July 30, Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), interacted with participants of the 16th National Workshop Balochistan. Addressing a diverse group including parliamentarians, civil society, civil servants, academics, media, and youth, the COAS reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and stressed the socioeconomic uplift of Balochistan as essential for national cohesion. He strongly condemned India’s sponsorship of terror proxies, calling it a failed effort to undermine the patriotism of the people of Balochistan. He said India, after its defeat in Ma’arka-e-Haq, is intensifying its proxy war using Fitna-al-Khawarij and Fitna-al-Hindustan as tools in its hybrid campaign. COAS emphasized that terrorism knows no religion, sect, or ethnicity, requiring a unified national response. He underlined the importance of development in Balochistan, calling for greater inter-agency cooperation and a cohesive strategy to drive both provincial and national progress.[4]
Pakistan hosts Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference
On July 26, Pakistan hosted the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference in Islamabad, convening senior military leadership from the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. This landmark multilateral engagement marked a significant stride toward advancing regional security cooperation, military diplomacy, and strategic dialogue among participating nations. Held under the theme “Strengthening Bonds, Securing Peace”, the conference sought to reinforce security collaborations, enhance training initiatives, and facilitate the exchange of best practices in counterterrorism and other defence and security endeavours. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), said in an era defined by transnational threats and complex hybrid challenges, the imperative for deeper military-to-military cooperation, strategic dialogue, and mutual trust is paramount. Delegates collectively reaffirmed their shared resolve to uphold peace, respect, national sovereignty, and confront common security threats including terrorism, cyber insecurity, and violent extremism.[5]
Prime Minister’s Interactions with Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
There were no reported meetings between Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) during July 2025.[6]
Interactions of Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with Foreign Dignitaries
During July 2025, there were 8 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with foreign dignitaries:
- On July 15, Lt. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin (Retd), Minister of Defence of Indonesia called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[7]
- On July 25, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) held 5 meetings and met His Excellency Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China; His Excellency Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China; General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC); General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army; and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of PLA, during his official visit to Beijing, China.[8]
- On July 26, General Michael E. Kurilla, Commander of United States Central Command (USCENTCOM), called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[9]
- On July 26, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met with senior military leadership from the United States of America, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, at the Regional Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference.[10]