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.
- DG ISPR labels court martial proceedings against former DG ISI as a legal matter
- National Security Workshop–27 held
- DG ISPR questions the efficiency of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government in stopping Afghan border cross terrorism
- Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
- Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
DG ISPR labels court martial proceedings against former DG ISI as a legal matter
On November 25, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General (DG) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, said in a media briefing, that the court martial proceedings against former Corpse Commander / ISI Chief, General (retd) Faiz Hameed are a legal matter and there should be no speculation. He added that an announcement will be made once the case reached its final conclusion. General Hameed has been in custody since August 2024. The army said in December 2024 that General Faiz Hameed was indicted by a military court on three counts; engaging in political activities, violating anti-espionage laws, and abusing his authority. The case against General Hameed was made following a Supreme Court ruling in November 2023, which directed petitioner Mr. Moeez Ahmed Khan, owner of Islamabad’s Top City Housing Society, to pursue grievances through appropriate channels, including the Ministry of Defence. Under military laws, an indictment follows a court of inquiry and a summary of evidence, which form the basis for framing charges.[1]
National Security Workshop–27 held
On November 26, Participants of the National Security Workshop–27 (NSW–27) visited General Headquarters (GHQ), where they received comprehensive briefings on Pakistan’s regional and internal security situation. NSW–27, the flagship programme of the National Defence University (NDU), brings together Parliamentarians, senior civil and military officers, and representatives from academia and civil society. During the visit, the delegation held an interactive session with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS). COAS highlighted the evolving regional environment, shaped by geopolitical competition, terrorism and hybrid threats. He underscored that despite externally-supported militancy and information warfare, Pakistan’s Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, and law-enforcement institutions remain committed to safeguarding national security. Participants were briefed on ongoing national efforts against illegal activities, including measures against smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and organised criminal networks. Updates were shared on enhanced border controls and the repatriation of illegal foreigners, aimed at maintaining internal order and protecting national interests. COAS reaffirmed the Pakistan Army’s commitment to continue supporting federal and provincial governments and stressed national unity, stating that coordinated efforts and institutional synergy are essential for sustainable peace and stability.[2]
DG ISPR questions the efficiency of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government in stopping Afghan border cross terrorism
On November 25, Pakistan’s military spokesperson, DG ISPR Lt General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, stated in a media briefing that Afghan security forces have been firing on Pakistani border posts to facilitate terrorists. He said the absence of governance in certain high-risk regions, stating that in some areas, including Tirah Valley, only 5–10 percent administration presence exists.He added that in most border areas, courts, law enforcement bodies, and government writ are almost completely absent, while villages and communities remain divided across the Pak–Afghan frontier. Lt General Chaudhry questioned how terrorists, smugglers, and non-custom-paid (NCP) vehicles freely cross the Pak-Afghan border despite Army and Frontier Corps presence. He noted that unchecked NCP vehicles facilitate explosives and militant movement, linking them to a political-terror nexus. He stressed that while the military conducts around 140 daily non-kinetic engagements with local communities—such as school visits and jirgas—the primary responsibility for governance and counter-terrorism lies with provincial and district governments, currently absent in KP. On Pakistan’s policy toward Afghanistan, Lt Gen Chaudhry reiterated that TTP presence in Afghanistan and financial support to them from Afghan soil are unacceptable. He said Pakistan has presented undeniable evidence to the Afghan government and is even open to a third-party monitoring of cross-border terrorism. DG ISPR also responded to recent statements by the Indian Army chief, who had referred to the May 2025 conflict as merely a “trailer.” Lt General Chaudhry dismissed these remarks as delusional, asserting that during that conflict seven Indian jets were shot down, 26 targets destroyed and S-400 batteries neutralized. He said India was attempting to “sell defeat as victory” domestically and warned that the Indian chief’s desire for a “full movie” instead of a “trailer” reflects a dangerous mindset.[3]
Prime Minister’s Interactions with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS)
During November 2025, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) met once on November 16, during hosting His Majesty (H.M) King Abdullah II of Jordan at the Tilla Field Firing Ranges, near Jehlam.[4]
Interactions of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with Foreign Dignitaries
During November 2025, there were 7 meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) with following foreign dignitaries.
- General Sir Charles Roland Vincent Walker, Chief of the General Staff (CGS) of the United Kingdom Army, on November 06, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[5]
- Colonel General Sobirzoda Emomali Abdulrahim, Minister of Defence of Tajikistan on November 13, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[6]
- H.M King Abdullah II On November 16, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[7]
- H.M King Abdullah II on November 16 at the Tilla Field Firing Ranges, Rawalpindi.[8]
- H.E General Fayyadh Bin Hameed Al Rowaili, Chief of General Staff (CGS), Saudi Armed Forces on November 24, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[9]
- Mr. Ali Ardeshir Larijani, Secretary of Supreme National Security Council of Iran (NSA Iran) on November 26, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[10]
- Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty on November 30, at General Headquarters (GHQ), Rawalpindi.[11]