Afghan Taliban must decide between Pakistan and TTP, says CDF Munir

Pakistan’s newly appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Monday addressed officers of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, sending a clear message to the Afghan Taliban regime, state-run PTV reported.

“The Taliban have no option but to choose between fomenting unrest abroad or maintaining peaceful relations with Pakistan,” he said.

The warning comes days after an exchange of gunfire and shelling was reported at a major Pakistan-Afghanistan border crossing, which, according to the Afghan side, killed four civilians and one soldier, AFP reported.

The local hospital authorities on the Pakistani side said a few people sustained minor injuries due to these clashes.

The latest flare-up of fighting between the two countries came despite a ceasefire since deadly clashes in October.

During his address at the newly established Defence Forces Headquarters, the CDF called the creation of the HQ a historic step to strengthen coordination among the three services.

He emphasized that while high command will be unified, each branch will retain its operational autonomy, ensuring both efficiency and flexibility in multi-domain operations.

Field Marshal Munir emphasized that while Pakistan remains a peaceful nation, any attempt to challenge its sovereignty will meet a swift and decisive response. He also issued a stern warning to India, stating that Pakistan’s response to any aggression will be faster and more forceful in the future.

He praised the armed forces for their courage during past operations, underscoring that Pakistan remains a peaceful nation but will not tolerate any challenge to its sovereignty, territorial integrity, or national resolve.

“The concept of Pakistan is invincible, safeguarded by the faith, dedication, and unity of our armed forces and nation,” he added.

Earlier, ISPR reported that the CDF received a tri-services guard of honour at the General Headquarters (GHQ).

He stressed that multi-domain operations, spanning cyber, space, artificial intelligence, and information warfare, must be strengthened under a unified command while each service retains its operational autonomy.

Field Marshal Munir praised the courage and sacrifices of the armed forces during the recent Marka-e-Haq conflict, calling their multi-domain operations a “textbook example” for future warfare. He paid tribute to martyrs, saying their dedication remains the pride of the nation.

The ceremony included the presentation of awards to Navy and Air Force personnel for acts of valour during Marka-e-Haq.