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MUNIR VOWS UNIFIED COMMAND, PRESERVED AUTONOMY AFTER TAKING CHARGE AS FIRST CDF Tuesday, 9 December, 2025 | 17 Jamadiul Sani, 1447
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PAKISTAN'S RESPONSE WILL BE 'MORE SEVERE' NEXT TIME, CDF WARNS INDIA
FIELD MARSHAL SAYS NECESSARY TO IMPROVE MULTI-DOMAIN OPERATIONS
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RAWALPINDI
NO ONE ALLOWED TO THREATEN SOVEREIGNTY, TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY: CDF
CDF SAYS FORCES WILL MAINTAIN INDIVIDUALITY FOR OPERATIONAL READINESS
staff report
EWLY appointed Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday assured that the army, air force and navy would continue to retain their “internal autonomy and organisational structure” under the country’s restructured military command. Addressing officers from all three services, Field Marshal Munir described the creation of the Defence Forces Headquarters as a “historic and foundational reform”, stressing that Pakistan must enhance its capability for multi-domain operations amid rapidly evolving security challenges. “The establishment of the Defence Forces Headquarters is vital to this transformation,” he said. “Each service will preserve its unique identity for operational
readiness, while the headquarters will ensure unified coordination and integration.” Turning to regional security, the CDF cautioned India against any miscalculation, warning that Pakistan’s response to provo-
Rs 50.00 | Vol XVI No 154 | 46 Pages | Lahore Edition
cation would be “swift and severe”. He also reiterated Islamabad’s firm message to Kabul, saying the Taliban government must choose between “the mischief of the khawarij” and its relationship with Pakistan.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to peace, he underscored that the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would not be compromised. “The idea of Pakistan is invincible, safeguarded by the resolve of brave soldiers and a united nation,” he said. Guard of Honour Ceremony Earlier in the day, Field Marshal Munir received a guard of honour at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. Naval Chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf and Air Chief Zaheer Ahmad Babar were also present. According to state broadcaster PTV, contingents from all three services participated in the ceremony to mark his elevation as the country’s first CDF. Sweeping Command Restructuring The government formally notified Field Marshal Munir as the inaugural CDF on Friday, marking the most significant overhaul of Pakistan’s military command structure since the 1970s.
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PM approves projects to ensure uninterrupted power supply to Gwadar, GB ISLAMABAD
staff report
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday approved electricity projects for Gilgit Baltistan and Gwadar, including a 100 MW solar project in GB to ensure interrupted, affordable, and sustainable power supply. Chairing a meeting on power sector initiatives in Gwadar and Gigilt Baltistan, the prime minister approved the immedi-
ate implementation of a comprehensive plan to resolve issues in the power supply to Gwadar Port City. “All relevant institutions should work in complete coordination to ensure uninterrupted, affordable, and reliable power supply to Gwadar Port City,” the prime minister directed. Issuing special directions for the immediate initiation of the 100-megawatt solar project in GB, the prime minister also directed that the project must ensure uninterrupted and sustainable pro-
vision of clean and environmentally friendly electricity. “The welfare and economic development of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan is among the top priorities of the Federal government,” the prime minister stated. He added that every possible measure was being taken to promote industrial activity, investment, and economic growth in GB. PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated the recommendations and actions proposed
by the committee led by Ahsan Iqbal and the Ministry of Energy regarding the resolution of electricity issues. He instructed the Ministry of Energy to ensure effective implementation of the immediate, short-term, and long-term projects included in the comprehensive strategy. “Uninterrupted electricity supply in Gwadar will certainly enhance national economic activity and investment,” the prime minister said.
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Talal hints at moving Imran Khan if PTI protests ‘threaten’ Adiala Jail security
irfan.farooq@pakistantoday.com.pk
ISLAMABAD
staff report
Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry has cautioned that Imran Khan could be relocated from Adiala Jail if Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters again gather outside the prison in a manner that endangers other inmates. Without naming the PTI founder, Talal said in a video message that if protests outside the facility create a security risk, “a prisoner” will be transferred. The minister warned that any unrest outside Adiala Jail—or anywhere else—would be dealt with strictly under the law, noting that PTI’s conduct was increasingly posing a threat to prisoners. His remarks come amid heightened tensions after repeated PTI demonstrations outside the jail, where Imran has been incarcerated for more than two years. Last month, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi staged a 16-hour sit-in outside Adiala, while earlier protests by Imran’s sisters—Aleema Khan, Noreen Khan Niazi and Uzma Khanum—led to their brief detention. The dispute over visitation rights has continued for months, with Uzma Khan’s meeting last week being the last allowed interaction before the government imposed a blanket ban on all visits. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar confirmed the ban shortly after ISPR Director General Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry labelled Imran Khan “mentally ill” and a national security threat. The ruling coalition has repeatedly accused PTI of attempting to destabilise the country and provoke the public against state institutions.