Field Marshal Asim Munir Visits NDU, Highlights Multi-Domain Security Challenges

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, visited the National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad, where he was briefed by civil and military participants of the ongoing National Security and War Course on academic perspectives regarding national security challenges and strategies to address them.

During his interaction, the field marshal outlined the complex and evolving global, regional and internal security environment, emphasizing that Pakistan faces broad and persistent challenges across multiple domains. He said these challenges span conventional and sub-conventional threats, as well as intelligence, cyber, information, military and economic dimensions, requiring comprehensive multi-domain preparedness, continuous adaptation and close synergy among all elements of national power.

He highlighted that hostile elements are increasingly resorting to indirect and ambiguous approaches, including the use of proxies to exploit internal fault lines instead of overt confrontation. In this context, he stressed the need for future leaders to be trained to recognize, anticipate and counter such layered and cognitive challenges.

The field marshal underscored that decision-making under uncertainty, coupled with clarity of thought and intellectual resilience, is critical for operating effectively in today’s contested and diffused security environment.

Praising the role of the National Defence University, he described it as a premier institution for developing strategic thinkers capable of translating rigorous academic insight into effective policy formulation and operational outcomes. He emphasized that professional military education remains central to strengthening institutional capacity, fostering indigenous capabilities and ensuring long-term national resilience.

Concluding his address, the field marshal appreciated the panels’ sharp analysis and observations, and urged participants to remain vigilant, adaptive and steadfast in upholding the values of integrity, discipline and selfless service.

Upon his arrival, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces was warmly received by the President of NDU.