RAWALPINDI, Tuesday, December 23, 2025 (WNP): Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, NI (M), HJ, on Tuesday 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 their academic assessments of Pakistan’s national security challenges and the imperatives to address them.

During an interactive session, the Field Marshal outlined the complex and rapidly evolving global, regional and internal security environment, underscoring that Pakistan faces persistent and multidimensional challenges. He noted that contemporary threats extend across conventional and sub-conventional domains, as well as intelligence, cyber, information, military and economic spheres, necessitating a comprehensive, integrated and whole-of-nation approach.

The Field Marshal observed that hostile actors are increasingly resorting to indirect and ambiguous strategies, including the use of proxies to exploit internal fault lines, rather than engaging in overt confrontation. He emphasized that future leaders must be intellectually equipped and constantly alert to identify, anticipate and counter such layered and cognitive challenges.

Highlighting the importance of sound judgment, he stressed that decision-making under uncertainty, coupled with clarity of thought and intellectual resilience, is essential for operating effectively in today’s contested and diffused security landscape.

Field Marshal Asim Munir praised NDU’s role as a premier institution for developing strategic thinkers capable of translating rigorous academic insight and professional training into effective policy formulation and operational outcomes. He reaffirmed 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 commended the participants for their sharp analysis and thoughtful conclusions, urging them to remain vigilant, adaptive and steadfast in upholding the core values of integrity, discipline and selfless service.

Upon arrival at the university, the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces was warmly received by the President of the National Defence University.