Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | July 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. Field Marshal applauds NDU for nurturing future civil military leadership to mitigate hybrid, conventional threats
  2. 20th National Workshop Balochistan
  3. General Syed Aamer Raza appointed as Pakistan’s first Commander of National Strategic Command
  4. 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC)
  5. DG ISPR endorses administrative reset to be undertaken to ensure good governance
  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 the COAS & CDF
  9. Interactions of the COAS & CDF with Foreign Dignitaries

Field Marshal applauds NDU for nurturing future civil military leadership to mitigate hybrid, conventional threats

On July 08, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, addressed the graduating officers of National Security and War Course at National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad. The Field Marshal also underscored the role of NDU in developing future military and civil leadership.[1]

20th National Workshop Balochistan

On July 23, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir interacted with participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters, Rawalpindi. He reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to eliminating Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan, emphasizing that operations against foreign-sponsored proxies would continue until terrorism is eradicated. The Field Marshal also highlighted ongoing development initiatives in Balochistan, underscored the role of civil society, academia, media and youth in promoting peace and national integration, and stressed the importance of national unity.[2]

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General Syed Aamer Raza appointed as Pakistan’s first Commander of National Strategic Command

On July 24, the government took a major step towards completing the restructuring of Pakistan’s higher military command by appointing General Syed Aamer Raza as the country’s first Commander of the National Strategic Command, a newly created 4-star office post. Prime Minister, Shehbaz Sharif promoted General Raza from Lieutenant General and appointed him to the new position. The office was created under 27th Constitutional Amendment as part of reforms to Pakistan’s higher defence structure. The Commander NSC will oversee the operational integration of the strategic commands of Army, Navy and Air Force under the National Command Authority.[3]

276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC)

On July 06, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi. The Forum reviewed the prevailing security situation and expressed concern over the continued use of Afghan territory by Indian-sponsored terrorist groups, including Fitna al Khawarij and Fitna al Hindustan. The forum stressed the need for improved governance in conflict affected areas to strengthen public welfare and counter the nexus between terrorism and criminal networks. It also noted an increase in externally supported hybrid warfare and disinformation campaigns following Marka-e-Haq, appreciated Pakistan’s role in promoting regional dialogue and stability, and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s rightful share of water under the Indus Water Treaty.[4]

DG ISPR endorses administrative reset to be undertaken to ensure good governance

On July 31, Director General, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, while addressing a press conference on counterterrorism and security, emphasized that good governance is essential for Pakistan’s security. He said administrative reforms, including the creation of new administrative units where required, should be carried out through constitutional and legal means in accordance with the will of the people. He declined to comment on Interior Minister, Mohsin Naqvi’s remarks, describing them as the minister’s personal opinion and urged political leaders to promote public awareness rather than confusion.[5] Commenting on developments in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), DG ISPR said that the government had encouraged protesters to pursue their demands through democratic institutions, warning that those responsible for unrest and disinformation would be held accountable. He added that AJK government was managing the situation and that the electoral process would continue. On Balochistan, DG ISPR said that the state was pursuing a multi-pronged strategy comprising security opertaions, border management, anti-smuggling measures, capacity building and socio-economic development, while attributing the province’s security challenges to external actors, propaganda and entrenched local interests.[6]

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

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

  1. H.E Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of Islamic Republic of Iran and, Mr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran on July 4, 2026, during the funeral ceremony of the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran.[7]
  2. A United States congressional delegation led by Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, on July 28, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[8]
  3. Mr. Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and Mr. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on July 28, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[9]

Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the Chairman, Senate of Pakistan

During July 2026, there were 14 meetings of Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Chairman, Senate of Pakistan with foreign dignitaries.

  1. H.E. Ms. Irena Genadieva Gancheva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan, on July 1, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[10]
  2. H.E. Mr. Paulo Miguel Guedes Dominguez, Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan, on July 2, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[11]
  3. Deputy Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on July 3, 2026, upon Senator Gilani’s arrival in Tehran, Iran.[12]
  4. H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and Mr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on July 3, 2026, during the funeral ceremony of the late Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran.[13]
  5. Mr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on July 4, 2026, in Tehran, Iran.[14]
  6. Mr. Jiang Zaidong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan, on July 9, 2026, at the Pakistan–China Economic and Cultural Council event marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China.[15]
  7. H.E. Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), on July 10, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[16]
  8. H.E. Ms. Irena Gancheva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan, on July 13, 2026, at a farewell luncheon hosted in her honour in Islamabad.[17]
  9. Representatives of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corp., USA, on July 14, 2026, in Islamabad.[18]
  10. H.E. Ms. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, on July 14, 2026, at the High Commission of Canada, Islamabad.[19]
  11. H.E. Mr. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on July 22, 2026, in Islamabad.[20]
  12. Mr. Syed Alamdar Hussain Shah, President of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corporation, USA, on July 27, 2026, in Islamabad.[21]
  13. A high-level delegation of the Shandong Hi-Speed Group (SDHS) and Tabani Group, led by Mr. Xu Xiang, on July 29, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[22]
  14. A Korean delegation led by Dr. Yang, including Mr. Cho, CEO of KOA-BIO, and representatives of Scale Sniper Company, on July 30, 2026, at Parliament House, Islamabad.[23]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with the COAS/CDF

During July 2026, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces met twice:

  1. On July 03, at the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, Iran.[24]
  2. On July 24, at the inauguration of the Sky47 AI Cloud centre, Islamabad.[25]

Foreign Dignitaries’ interaction with the COAS/CDF

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF)

During July 2026, there were 7 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS and CDF with foreign dignitaries.

  1. H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mr. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, and other Iranian leaders, on July 4, 2026, during the funeral ceremony of the late Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, in Tehran, Iran.[26]
  2. H.E. Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan, President of Türkiye, and Mr. YaÅŸar Güler, Minister of National Defence of Türkiye, on July 14, 2026, in Istanbul, Türkiye.[27]
  3. General Selçuk BayraktaroÄŸlu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, on July 14, 2026, at the Turkish General Staff Headquarters, Istanbul, Türkiye.[28]
  4. H.E. Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, on July 20, 2026, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[29]
  5. H.E. Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on July 21, 2026, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[30]
  6. Mr. Ryan Keith Zinke and Mr. Michael James Baumgartner, Members of the United States House of Representatives, on July 27, 2026, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[31]
  7. H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait, accompanied by H.E. Nassar Abdul Rahman J. Al-Mutairi, Ambassador of Kuwait to Pakistan, on July 29, 2026, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[32]

References

  1. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces visited National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad today where he addressed the graduating officers of the National Security and War Course comprising participants from all services,” ISPR online, July 08, 2026, accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7721 ↑
  2. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, interacted with participants of the 20th National Workshop Balochistan at General Headquarters, Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, July 23, 2026, accessed July 26, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7728 ↑
  3. Baqir Sajjad Syed, “New strategic command gets first chief,” DAWN online, July 25, 2026, accessed July 27, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2018205/new-strategic-command-gets-first-chief ↑
  4. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, presided over the 276th Corps Commanders’ Conference (CCC) at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, July 06, 2026, accessed July 17, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7718 ↑
  5. “Military says good governance ‘extremely important’ for Pakistan’s security,” Geo News online, July 31, 2026, accessed August 1, 2026. https://www.geo.tv/latest/675533-ispr-dg-addresses-press-conference-on-counterterrorism-security-situation ↑
  6. “If reset is needed for good governance, then it should happen: DG ISPR,” Express Tribune online, July 31, 2026, accessed August 1, 2026. https://tribune.com.pk/story/2621325/dg-ispr-to-brief-media-on-counterterrorism-security ↑
  7. “NA Speaker attends funeral ceremony of Iranian Supreme Leader in Tehran – July 4, 2026,” National Assembly of Pakistan online, July 4, 2026, accessed July 7, 2026. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#7901 ↑
  8. “United States Congressional Delegation led by Rep. Ryan Zinke and Rep. Michael Baumgartner calls on NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq – July 28, 2026,” National Assembly of Pakistan online, July 28, 2026, accessed July 28, 2026. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#7952 ↑
  9. “Ambassadors of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan call on NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq – July 28, 2026,” National Assembly of Pakistan online, July 28, 2026, accessed June 29, 2026. https://www.na.gov.pk/en/pressrelease.php?content=101#7947 ↑
  10. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with Ambassador of Bulgaria to Pakistan H.E. Mrs. Irena Gancheva, at Parliament House, Islamabad”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 1, 2026, accessed July 5, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzU4MA== ↑
  11. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with Ambassador of Portugal to Pakistan H.E. Paulo Miguel Guedes Domingues, at Parliament House, Islamabad”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 2, 2026, accessed July 5, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzU4Ng== ↑
  12. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a Meeting with Deputy Speaker of Iranian Parliament upon his arrival in Tehran..”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 3, 2026, accessed July 7, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzU5OA== ↑
  13. “Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani meets President of Iran Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian on the sidelines of the condolence ceremony of Shaheed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 3, 2026, accessed July 8, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzYwMA== ↑
  14. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with Speaker of The Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Tehran, Iran”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 4, 2026, accessed July 9, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzYwMQ== ↑
  15. “Acting President Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in a group photograph with Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi, and other distinguished guests at the Pakistan-China Economic and Cultural Council event marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 09, 2026, accessed July 09, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzYzMg== ↑
  16. “Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with H.E. Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL) at Parliament House Islamabad”, Senate of Pakistan online, July 10, 2026, accessed on July 10, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzY0Mw== ↑
  17. “Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Pakistan, H.E. Irena Gancheva, in Islamabad”, July 13, 2026, accessed on July 15, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzY1NQ== ↑
  18. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressing at the formal luncheon in honor of the representatives of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corp. USA & other highly esteemed businessmen from Pakistan in Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, July 14, 2026, accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzY1OQ== ↑
  19. “Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani addressing as chief guest at a reception hosted in honour of Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Anita Anand, at Canadian High Commission in Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, July 21, 2026, accessed July 21, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzY5MQ== ↑
  20. “H.E. Mr. Khazar Farhadov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan called on Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani at his residence in Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, July 22, 2026, accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzcwMw== ↑
  21. “Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani offering Fateha on the demise of the mother of Syed Almdar Hussain Shah, President of the New York Chamber of Small Business Corporation, USA,” Senate of Pakistan online, July 27, 2026, accessed July 27, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzcxOA== ↑
  22. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with Mr. Humza Tabani, Chairman, Tabani Group along-with delegation led by Mr. Xu Xiang, Chairman SDHS and Country Director, Mr. Wang Zhenrong at Parliament House, Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, July 29, 2026, accessed July 30, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzcyOA== ↑
  23. “Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani in a meeting with Korean delegation led by Dr. Yang along-with Mr. Cho, CEO of KOA-BIO and the CEO and COO of Scale Sniper Company at Parliament House, Islamabad,” Senate of Pakistan online, July 30, 2026, accessed July 31, 2026. https://www.senate.gov.pk/en/news_content.php?id=NzczNA== ↑
  24. Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir join world leaders to pay their respects,” DAWN online, July 04, 2026, accessed July 07, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2012875/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-join-world-leaders-to-pay-their-respects ↑
  25. “PM again urges Kabul to act against terrorist groups,” DAWN online, July 24, 2026, accessed July 25, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2018235/pm-again-urges-kabul-to-act-against-terrorist-groups ↑
  26. Syed Irfan Raza, “PM Shehbaz, CDF Munir join world leaders to pay their respects,” DAWN online, July 04, 2026, accessed July 07, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2012875/pm-shehbaz-cdf-munir-join-world-leaders-to-pay-their-respects ↑
  27. “CDF Munir meets Turkish President Erdogan, armed forces chief in Ankara: ISPR,” DAWN online, July 14, 2026, accessed June 15, 2026. https://www.dawn.com/news/2015389/cdf-munir-meets-turkish-president-erdogan-armed-forces-chief-in-ankara-ispr ↑
  28. “Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces is currently on a high level official visit to the Republic of Turkiye, aimed at further enhancing the deep-rooted strategic and defence ties between the two brotherly nations,” ISPR online, July 14, 2026, accessed July 15, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7723 ↑
  29. “Her Excellency Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada, 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, July 20, 2026, accessed July 20, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7725 ↑
  30. “His Excellency Eskandar Momeni, Interior Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran called on Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff & Chief of Defence Forces, at the General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi,” ISPR online, July 21, 2026, accessed July 24, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7726 ↑
  31. “Mr. Ryan Keith Zinke, Member House of Representatives (State of Montana) and Mr. Michael James, Member House of Representatives (State of Washington) 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, July 27, 2026, accessed July 27, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7732 ↑
  32. “H.E. Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Kuwait accompanied by Mr. Nassar Abdul Rahman J. Al-Mutairi, Ambassador of the State of Kuwait to Pakistan 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, July 28, 2026, accessed July 29, 2026. https://www.ispr.gov.pk/press-release-detail?id=7735 ↑