Update on The Performance of Democratic Institutions | June 2025

CJCSC lays emphasis on conflict resolution instead of management

On June 1, General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), while addressing a panel discussion titled ‘Regional Crisis-Management Mechanisms’ at the Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 in Singapore, emphasized the need to move towards conflict resolution instead of mere management, warning that its absence could result in a potentially destructive escalation. His remarks referred to the May 2025 military confrontation, instigated by India, which launched air strikes in Pakistan, killing civilians. The attack was launched after a deadly attack in the Pahalgam area of Indian-occupied Kashmir, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan. Islamabad denied the allegations, and after tit-for-tat strikes, the two countries finally reached a ceasefire on May 10, 2025. The CJCSC cautioned that, given India’s current policies and what he described as “the polity’s extremist mindset,” the absence of a crisis management mechanism may not give enough time for global powers to intervene and facilitate cessation of hostilities. There was a possibility that during a future conflict, by the time the international community intervenes, “irreversible damage and destruction may have already occurred.^[1]

National Security Committee (NSC) meeting

On June 23, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) to review the evolving regional situation following Israeli aggression against Iran. The Committee strongly condemned Israel’s aggression and expressed regret that these military attacks coincided with the ongoing negotiation process between Iran and the United States. The NSC warned that the conflict could ignite a wider conflict, diminishing the opportunities for dialogue and diplomacy. It reaffirmed Iran’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter and voiced grave concern over the escalation following Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22 that violated the resolutions of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), relevant international law, and the UN Charter. The NSC reaffirmed Pakistan’s close engagement with all relevant parties and its readiness to support initiatives promoting regional peace and stability. It called for resolving the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Attendees included, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Admiral Naveed Ashraf, Chief of the Naval Staff, Lt. General Asim Malik, Director-General of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)/National Security Advisor (NSA). From the federal cabinet, Mr. Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to Prime Minister/Minister of State (Foreign Affairs), Mr. Mansoor Usman Awan, Attorney General of Pakistan, Dr. Musadik Malik, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, Mr. Azam Nazeer Tarar, Federal Minister for law and Justice, Mr. Attaullah Tarar, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Defence Minister and Mr. Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Interior Minister joined the session.^[2]

Field Marshal interacts with Pakistani American Community

On June 17, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), in an interaction with the Pakistani community in Washington, urged India to engage with Pakistan as a “civilised nation” rather than imposing its hegemony on the region. The army chief, who was on an official visit to the United States, received a warm welcome from a large gathering of Pakistani Americans who praised the armed forces’ performance during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos against India. The COAS appreciated the vital role overseas Pakistanis play in strengthening the national economy, particularly through remittances. He spoke in detail about last month’s clashes with India, stating that New Delhi had launched this “misadventure” to impose its version of a new world order, one that violates the sovereignty of other nations under false pretenses. He noted that during the conflict, there was “textbook harmony” between Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. He firmly rejected allegations of Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack, stating that India used the incident as a pretext to bomb targets inside Pakistan. The COAS said Pakistan rejected India’s ‘new normal’ and demonstrated that Pakistan has the strength to resist India’s hegemonic ambitions. COAS said they have taken a clear and strong position in support of Iran (in relevance with the Iran-Israel Conflict) and are playing an active role in efforts to de-escalate the situation. He noted that the United States was also “doing its best” to bring the conflict to an end, adding that Pakistan was working with other countries to help defuse tensions.^[3]

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), candidly exchanges with senior scholars, analysts, policy experts in Washington D.C

On June 20, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), held a candid exchange with senior scholars, analysts, policy experts, and international media representatives in Washington D.C. He highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to regional peace and stability, and its role in promoting a rules-based international order. The Field Marshal briefed participants on Operation Bunyanum Marsoos and outlined Pakistan’s stance on terrorism, noting the malicious role of certain regional actors in using it as a tool of hybrid warfare. He also emphasized Pakistan’s untapped potential in IT, agriculture, and mining, and invited international partners to explore collaboration for shared prosperity. The COAS presented Pakistan’s balanced approach to global conflicts, stressing dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law. He underlined historic US-Pakistan convergences, particularly in counter-terrorism, regional security, and economic development.^[4]

Historic meeting held between COAS, Field Marshal and US President

On June 19, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), met with U.S. President Donald J. Trump at the White House. The high-level meeting was held in the Cabinet Room over luncheon, followed by a visit to the Oval Office. President Trump was joined by Secretary of State Senator Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs. The COAS was accompanied by Pakistan’s National Security Advisor. During the meeting, COAS conveyed Pakistan’s appreciation for President Trump’s constructive role in facilitating a ceasefire between Pakistan and India during the recent regional crisis. He praised Trump’s statesmanship and understanding of global challenges. President Trump lauded Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and counter-terrorism cooperation. Discussions included expanding cooperation in trade, economic development, energy, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and emerging technologies. Trump expressed interest in building a long-term strategic partnership with Pakistan based on shared interests. Both leaders also discussed tensions between Iran and Israel, stressing the importance of peaceful resolution. President Trump commended Field Marshal Munir’s leadership and decisiveness during a time of regional volatility. The COAS extended an official invitation to President Trump to visit Pakistan. The meeting, originally scheduled for one hour, lasted over two, reflecting its depth and cordial tone. On June 20, the Government of Pakistan announced it would formally recommend President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in de-escalating the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict. An official press release stated that President Trump demonstrated strategic foresight and stellar diplomacy in engaging both Islamabad and New Delhi to secure a ceasefire.^[5]

Iran and Israel agree on Ceasefire

On June 24, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, ending 12 days of intense conflict with casualties on both sides. Interestingly, Trump stated the U.S. opposes regime change in Iran, noting that it creates “chaos,” which the U.S. ideally wants to avoid. The conflict began on June 13, when Israel launched airstrikes on Tehran, targeting nuclear sites and killing senior military officials and 17 nuclear scientists. Iran responded with a missile barrage, breaching Israel’s Iron Dome and hitting major cities, including Tel Aviv. The fighting resulted in over 500 Iranian casualties, but analysts believe both sides faced strategic losses and gains. Though the U.S., a key ally of Israel, initially backed Israel, it entered the conflict directly on June 22, striking three Iranian nuclear sites. Trump claimed the attacks destroyed Iran’s nuclear capacity, though this was later disputed by analysts and refuted by Iran. The next day, Iran retaliated with missile strikes on a U.S. base in Qatar. On June 24, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would honor the ceasefire unless Israel violated it. He reaffirmed that Iran was not pursuing nuclear weapons but would defend its right to peaceful nuclear energy. Iran’s security council claimed its military pressure had compelled Israel to stand down. Meanwhile, Israel declared it had achieved all objectives of Operation Rising Lion, removing a “dual existential threat: nuclear and ballistic.” The international community welcomed the truce, with Pakistan claiming a pivotal diplomatic role in brokering it. On June 27, President Trump rejected Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s claim of victory, warning that the U.S. would “absolutely” bomb Iran again if it resumed nuclear weapons development. Trump said he had “saved Khamenei from a very ugly and ignominious death,” and accused him of issuing a statement of “anger, hatred, and disgust.” Trump also announced he had abandoned plans to lift sanctions or offer relief, saying Iran had “missed a chance for recovery”.^[6]

Defence Minister praises hybrid model of governance

On June 20, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif praised the current hybrid regime—an informal power-sharing arrangement where the military holds significant influence over the civilian government. In a June 19 tweet, he called Field Marshal Asim Munir’s lunch with U.S. President Donald Trump a success of the “existing hybrid model of governance.” He credited this model for key developments, including economic recovery, improved U.S. ties, and India’s defeat—achievements made possible through cooperation between PM Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Munir, and strong Islamabad–Rawalpindi ties. Khawaja Asif described the system as a “co-ownership” model, saying it’s a practical necessity given Pakistan’s ongoing economic and governance crises. Ahmed Bilal Mehboob, President of PILDAT, noted in a comment to DAWN that Asif is not the first to acknowledge the hybrid model. He pointed out that Imran Khan also publicly recognized the military’s role in major decisions, including budget approvals and appointments. Mr. Mehboob added that both civilian and military leaders must use the National Security Committee to chart a path toward long-term rule of law and institutional balance.^[7]

Field Marshal highlights role of transparent, and service-driven civil bureaucracy within the architecture of state governance

On June 27, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), Chief of Army Staff (COAS), addressed probationary officers of the 52nd Common Training Program (CTP) at the Civil Services Academy during a session at the Army Auditorium. He emphasized the critical role of a capable, transparent, and service-driven civil bureaucracy in effective state governance. The officers had earlier been attached with Pakistan Army formations in both peacetime and operational areas across Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. Field Marshal Munir spoke on key issues including national security, internal and external challenges, and the military’s role in ensuring regional peace and stability. He stressed the need for inter-institutional cohesion, mutual respect, and a unified national vision to achieve Pakistan’s strategic and developmental goals.^[8]

Prime Minister’s Interactions with Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff (COAS)

Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met thrice during June 2025:

1. On June 05, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met at a high-level meeting on water resources.^[9]
2. On June 06, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met during a meeting with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.^[10]
3. On June 22, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met at the NSC meeting held at PM House, Islamabad.^[11]

Interactions of Field Marshal, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with Foreign Dignitaries

During June 2025, there were reportedly 4 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with foreign dignitaries.

1. On June 06, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the Crown Prince at Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.^[12]
2. On June 19, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met with President of the United States, Donald J. Trump, at the White House.^[13]
3. On June 19, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Mr. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Representative for Middle Eastern Affairs at the White House.^[14]
4. On June 22, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on the sidelines of the OIC foreign ministers’ summit in Turkiye.^[15]