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.
- 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference
- Field Marshal warns India of no war between nuclear rivals
- US President Trump showers praise on Pakistani PM and Field Marshal
- COAS interacts with participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan
- DG ISPR warns KP Government of no space available for “anti state” leadership in KP
- COAS interacts with Jirga of Tribal Leaders
- Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
- Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference
On October 08, 2025, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) chaired the 272nd Corps Commanders’ Conference at GHQ, Rawalpindi. The forum reviewed national security, counter-terrorism operations, and regional developments. It commended the Armed Forces’ resilience in combating foreign sponsored terrorism and assisting in flood relief efforts. Commanders voiced concern over the nexus between terrorism, organized crime, and political patronage, resolving that such threats will not be tolerated. The conference strongly condemned recent provocative statements from Indian civil and military leadership, warning that any aggression would face a swift and decisive response. Participants welcomed the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at deepening defence cooperation and joint deterrence. The conference reaffirmed support for the Kashmiri right to self-determination and the two-state solution for Palestine with Al Quds Al Sharif as capital. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir expressed full confidence in Pakistan Army’s operational readiness to counter conventional, sub-conventional, hybrid, and asymmetric threats.[1]
Field Marshal warns India of no war between nuclear rivals
On October 18, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff, addressed the passing out parade at Pakistan Military Academy (PMA), Kakul, issuing a strong warning to India: “no space for war in a nuclearized environment,” and reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to deliver a decisive response to any provocation. Recalling Pakistan’s “clear victory” in the May 2025 conflict after India’s Operation Sindoor, he lauded the success of Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan-ul-Marsoos. He accused India of politicizing terrorism for domestic gains and denounced state-sponsored terrorism and the exploitation of Afghan territory for anti-Pakistan activities. The Field Marshal reiterated support for Kashmir’s right to self-determination under UN resolutions and emphasized the need for critical thinking against social media misinformation. He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s “historic all-weather partnership” with China and improving relations with the United States.[2]
US President Trump showers praise on Pakistani PM and Field Marshal
On October 12, United States President Donald Trump especially thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and “my favourite” Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their efforts in achieving peace in Gaza at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Egypt. The ceremony marked the signing of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. PM Shehbaz thanked President Trump and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi for their efforts, describing the event as one of the greatest days in recent history. He announced Pakistan’s nomination of President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize for his extraordinary role in stopping both the India-Pakistan war (May 2025) and the Gaza conflict. On October 30, at the APEC summit in South Korea, President Trump again praised PM Shehbaz and Field Marshal Asim Munir, calling them “tough people” and commending their efforts in promoting stability.[3]
COAS interacts with participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan
On October 21, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS, interacted with participants of the 17th National Workshop Balochistan at GHQ, Rawalpindi. He stated that Balochistan is the pride of Pakistan, blessed with vibrant and patriotic people who are its true strength. He highlighted development initiatives aimed at uplifting the socio-economic landscape of the province and emphasized the importance of youth empowerment and civil society. The COAS reiterated that Indian-sponsored proxies “Fitna al-Hindustan” and “Fitna al-Khawarij” spread anti-development narratives and vowed decisive action to ensure lasting peace.[4]
DG ISPR warns KP Government of no space available for “anti state” leadership in KP
On October 10, Director General ISPR, Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, addressing a press conference at Peshawar Corps Headquarters, warned against bringing “anti-state” leadership into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He criticized the political-criminal nexus fuelling terrorism and stated that no group could be allowed to compromise national security. He revealed that over 10,000 intelligence-based operations had been conducted in 2025, eliminating 900 terrorists — the highest number in a decade — but lamented judicial delays and weak convictions. DG ISPR confirmed that former ISI DG Lt Gen Faiz Hameed was under court-martial, reaffirming the army’s apolitical accountability.[5]
COAS interacts with Jirga of Tribal Leaders
On October 30, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS, visited Peshawar and interacted with a Jirga of tribal elders. He was briefed on the prevailing security environment and counter-terrorism efforts. The COAS appreciated tribal support during the recent Pakistan-Afghan Taliban standoff and stressed that Pakistan seeks peace with all neighbours but will not tolerate cross-border terrorism from Afghan soil. He added that the Afghan Taliban regime was assisting Indian-sponsored terror groups Fitna Al Khawarij (FAK) and Fitna Al Hindustan, and urged decisive action for regional peace.[6]
Prime Minister’s Interactions with COAS
Prime Minister, Islamic Republic of Pakistan
During October 2025, Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS, met twice:
- On October 08, during the funeral prayers of Lieutenant Colonel Junaid Tariq and Major Tayyab Rahat at Chaklala Garrison, Rawalpindi.[7]
- On October 27, during the meeting with HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al Yamamah Palace, Saudi Arabia.[8]
Interactions of COAS with Foreign Dignitaries
During October 2025, there were six meetings of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, COAS, with foreign dignitaries:
- On October 23, met with Egyptian Minister of Defence Gen Abdul Maged Saqar and Chief of Staff Lt Gen Ahmed Khalifa Fatehi in Cairo.[9]
- On October 23, met with His Eminence Sheikh Ahmed El Tayab, Grand Imam of Al Azhar in Cairo.[10]
- On October 27, met with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.[11]
- On October 27, met with Major General Yousef Ahmed Al-Huneiti, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Jordanian Armed Forces, Amman.[12]
- On October 28, met with HRH Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Al Yamamah Palace, Saudi Arabia.[13]