Pakistan’s parliament has granted Army Chief Asim Munir sweeping powers and total control over all military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and even alter the prescribed retirement limits.The parliament passed the new military laws on Thursday that bestow upon Munir full control over the defence services.The new law establishes Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ), with Munir serving as the supreme commander of the three armed services.&nbsp;Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, amid an Opposition walkout.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.&nbsp;The legislation aims to put the new military hierarchy created by the constitutional changes into a legal framework. The new structure places Munir at the top of Pakistan’s unified military command.&nbsp;The draft says the CDF “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are necessary for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, coordination and oversight of all matters which have joint, tri-services and strategic implications for the Armed Forces and national security of Pakistan”.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-slams-trump-s-economic-terrorism-irgc-warns-of-using-more-precise-and-destructive-weapons-1787234880288">Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons</a>&nbsp;According to the draft, the CDF can “retire, release, accept, or reject resignation of, or discharge from service, or retain in service, or relax age, or service limit of retirement” of personnel covered by the armed forces laws, subject to the exclusions specified in the legislation.&nbsp;Moreover, the framework also allows the Pakistan government to assign additional responsibilities to the CDF.“Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the CDF may exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as the Federal Government may prescribe,” the draft states.&nbsp;This provision gives government the scope to expand the CDF’s responsibilities beyond those specifically listed in the legislation.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-gets-miffed-by-us-ambassador-sergio-gor-s-j-k-important-part-of-india-remark-issues-demarche-1787157507821">Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&amp;K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche</a>&nbsp;It also provides for executive directions and changes to rules and regulations to ensure that the new command structure can operate effectively.&nbsp;<h2>Munir now also Pak PM’s ‘principal military advisor’</h2>&nbsp;The Defence Forces Headquarters would be under the CDF, who would serve as the Prime Minister’s “principal military adviser” on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces.He would also be “responsible” to the federal government for matters involving command and control. The President is given a significant role in resolving difficulties or inconsistencies that may emerge while implementing the new framework.<h2>New nuclear command structure</h2>The restructuring is not limited to the conventional military command. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star post responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces.Last month, Gen Syed Aamer Raza was promoted from lieutenant general and appointed as the first CNSC.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-prepared-to-defend-all-allies-after-reports-of-iran-mulling-attacks-on-us-targets-in-europe-1787141867863">NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe</a>&nbsp;The Prime Minister’s Office called the amendments “a necessary process” following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the house.&nbsp;The measures significantly expand the statutory role of the CDF, an office created only last year after the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act.&nbsp;The massive concentration of these powers in the hands of the army chief is particularly significant for a country that has witnessed military rule for long.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir now has full control as the supreme commander of the three armed services.

Pakistan’s parliament has granted Army Chief Asim Munir sweeping powers and total control over all military operations, senior officers and personnel matters, including the authority to retire, discharge or retain personnel and even alter the prescribed retirement limits. The parliament passed the new military laws on Thursday that bestow upon Munir full control over the defence services. The new law establishes Defence Forces Headquarters (DFHQ), with Munir serving as the supreme commander of the three armed services. Pakistan’s National Assembly on Thursday passed the Defence Forces of Pakistan Act, 2026, and amendments to the National Command Authority Act, 2010, amid an Opposition walkout. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. The legislation aims to put the new military hierarchy created by the constitutional changes into a legal framework. The new structure places Munir at the top of Pakistan’s unified military command. The draft says the CDF “shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as are necessary for multi-domain integration, operational cohesion, coordination and oversight of all matters which have joint, tri-services and strategic implications for the Armed Forces and national security of Pakistan”. Also Read: Iran slams Trump’s ‘economic terrorism’; IRGC warns of using ‘more precise and destructive’ weapons According to the draft, the CDF can “retire, release, accept, or reject resignation of, or discharge from service, or retain in service, or relax age, or service limit of retirement” of personnel covered by the armed forces laws, subject to the exclusions specified in the legislation. Moreover, the framework also allows the Pakistan government to assign additional responsibilities to the CDF. “Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, the CDF may exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as the Federal Government may prescribe,” the draft states. This provision gives government the scope to expand the CDF’s responsibilities beyond those specifically listed in the legislation. Also Read: Pakistan gets miffed by US Ambassador Sergio Gor’s ‘J&K important part of India’ remark, issues demarche It also provides for executive directions and changes to rules and regulations to ensure that the new command structure can operate effectively. Munir now also Pak PM’s ‘principal military advisor’ The Defence Forces Headquarters would be under the CDF, who would serve as the Prime Minister’s “principal military adviser” on national security, defence and matters concerning the armed forces. He would also be “responsible” to the federal government for matters involving command and control. The President is given a significant role in resolving difficulties or inconsistencies that may emerge while implementing the new framework. New nuclear command structure The restructuring is not limited to the conventional military command. The 27th Constitutional Amendment created the position of Commander of the National Strategic Command (CNSC), a four-star post responsible for the operational integration of Pakistan’s strategic forces. Last month, Gen Syed Aamer Raza was promoted from lieutenant general and appointed as the first CNSC. Also Read: NATO ‘prepared to defend all allies,‘ says official after reports of Iran mulling attacks on US targets in Europe The Prime Minister’s Office called the amendments “a necessary process” following the 27th Constitutional Amendment. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif presented the legislation in the National Assembly, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was also present in the house. The measures significantly expand the statutory role of the CDF, an office created only last year after the 27th Constitutional Amendment Act. The massive concentration of these powers in the hands of the army chief is particularly significant for a country that has witnessed military rule for long.

The Defence Forces of Pakistan Act 2026 formally places the country’s Army, Navy and Air Force under a single command structure headed by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir. Munir now has full control as the supreme commander of the three armed services.

Pakistan’s new military law gives Asim Munir sweeping powers; he can now hire, fire, retire forces

Pakistan's all-powerful Army Chief Asim Munir seems to have become Islamabad's answer to almost every pressing challenge, be it the country's enduring economic crisis or diplomatic engagement with world powers. Now, Munir has another role: helping tackle Pakistan's population challenge.&nbsp;It may be unusual for an army chief to dabble in civilian administrative matters in most countries, but Pakistan increasingly seems to have only one answer to every major challenge: the omnipotent Asim Munir.&nbsp;As Pakistan's population continues to grow rapidly despite already being the world's fifth most populous country, and with projections suggesting it could overtake Indonesia by around 2030 to become the fourth largest, the country has little choice but to address the mounting demographic pressure alongside its economic challenges.&nbsp;To tackle the issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to recommend policy reforms aimed at slowing population growth, with Munir among its members.&nbsp;Pakistani Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced the move during a Senate meeting earlier this week, Dawn reported.&nbsp;According to Kamal, the fact that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined hands with Munir on the matter "reflects the government's seriousness in tackling the rapid population growth". However, he did not elaborate on the measures being considered or any specific suggestions made by Munir.&nbsp;"The government is treating this issue with the highest priority and important policy decisions are being taken at every level," the health minister was quoted as saying. He added that the finance and planning ministers are also members of the committee.&nbsp;According to Dawn, the government could also revise the formula for allocating federal revenue to provinces. At present, revenue is distributed largely on the basis of population, a system that effectively gives provinces an incentive to maintain higher population numbers.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-supreme-leader-vows-to-avenge-the-blood-of-his-slain-predecessor-and-father-soon-1783769496896">Iran's Supreme Leader vows to 'avenge the blood' of his slain predecessor and father 'soon'</a><h2>From diplomacy to the economy</h2>Even before adding this new responsibility to his portfolio, Munir had increasingly emerged as Islamabad's top diplomat, making multiple high-profile visits to China, the United States and countries in the Middle East.&nbsp;Munir led Pakistan's mediation efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict, juggling diplomacy between Tehran and Washington before Islamabad hosted high-level talks on April 11 and 12, which were attended by US Vice President JD Vance, just days after an initial ceasefire on April 7.&nbsp;In June 2023, months after taking over as army chief, Munir established the Special Investment Facilitation Council. The body acts as a powerful clearinghouse designed to bypass Pakistan's bureaucratic red tape and gives the military direct decision-making powers in sectors including agriculture, mining, information technology, energy and defence production.<h2>Munir's powers expand after Operation Sindoor</h2>Following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan elevated Munir to the rank of Field Marshal despite suffering heavy losses during the 72-hour conflict.&nbsp;Islamabad further expanded its authority through the 27th Constitutional Amendment passed in November 2025, creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces and placing the navy and air force under his command in addition to the army.&nbsp;The Pakistan Army Act was also amended to extend the tenure of the army chief from three years to five years. Munir, who was originally due to retire in 2027, can now remain in office until 2030. After completing his tenure, he will retain the rank of Field Marshal and enjoy legal immunity for life.

Pakistan's all-powerful Army chief has been appointed to a government committee tasked with recommending policy reforms to tackle the country's rapid population growth, adding population control to his expanding portfolio beyond defence, diplomacy and the economy.

Pakistan's all-powerful Army Chief Asim Munir seems to have become Islamabad's answer to almost every pressing challenge, be it the country's enduring economic crisis or diplomatic engagement with world powers. Now, Munir has another role: helping tackle Pakistan's population challenge. It may be unusual for an army chief to dabble in civilian administrative matters in most countries, but Pakistan increasingly seems to have only one answer to every major challenge: the omnipotent Asim Munir. As Pakistan's population continues to grow rapidly despite already being the world's fifth most populous country, and with projections suggesting it could overtake Indonesia by around 2030 to become the fourth largest, the country has little choice but to address the mounting demographic pressure alongside its economic challenges. To tackle the issue, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted a committee to recommend policy reforms aimed at slowing population growth, with Munir among its members. Pakistani Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal announced the move during a Senate meeting earlier this week, Dawn reported. According to Kamal, the fact that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif joined hands with Munir on the matter "reflects the government's seriousness in tackling the rapid population growth". However, he did not elaborate on the measures being considered or any specific suggestions made by Munir. "The government is treating this issue with the highest priority and important policy decisions are being taken at every level," the health minister was quoted as saying. He added that the finance and planning ministers are also members of the committee. According to Dawn, the government could also revise the formula for allocating federal revenue to provinces. At present, revenue is distributed largely on the basis of population, a system that effectively gives provinces an incentive to maintain higher population numbers. Also Read: Iran's Supreme Leader vows to 'avenge the blood' of his slain predecessor and father 'soon' From diplomacy to the economy Even before adding this new responsibility to his portfolio, Munir had increasingly emerged as Islamabad's top diplomat, making multiple high-profile visits to China, the United States and countries in the Middle East. Munir led Pakistan's mediation efforts during the recent US-Iran conflict, juggling diplomacy between Tehran and Washington before Islamabad hosted high-level talks on April 11 and 12, which were attended by US Vice President JD Vance, just days after an initial ceasefire on April 7. In June 2023, months after taking over as army chief, Munir established the Special Investment Facilitation Council. The body acts as a powerful clearinghouse designed to bypass Pakistan's bureaucratic red tape and gives the military direct decision-making powers in sectors including agriculture, mining, information technology, energy and defence production. Munir's powers expand after Operation Sindoor Following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan elevated Munir to the rank of Field Marshal despite suffering heavy losses during the 72-hour conflict. Islamabad further expanded its authority through the 27th Constitutional Amendment passed in November 2025, creating the post of Chief of Defence Forces and placing the navy and air force under his command in addition to the army. The Pakistan Army Act was also amended to extend the tenure of the army chief from three years to five years. Munir, who was originally due to retire in 2027, can now remain in office until 2030. After completing his tenure, he will retain the rank of Field Marshal and enjoy legal immunity for life.

Pakistan's all-powerful Army chief has been appointed to a government committee tasked with recommending policy reforms to tackle the country's rapid population growth, adding population control to his expanding portfolio beyond defence, diplomacy and the economy.

After diplomacy and economy, Asim Munir has new role in Pakistan: Population control

A Brazilian journalist has claimed that Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad was preparing to assassinate Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and members of the Pakistani delegation during a visit to Switzerland linked to efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the US.&nbsp;The allegation was made by Brazilian journalist Pepe Escobar during an appearance on a podcast hosted by political commentator Mario Nawfal.&nbsp;According to Escobar, delegations from Pakistan and Qatar were present at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland as Iran and America concluded the first round of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-targets-crimea-supply-route-novorossiya-highway-drone-campaign-1782300756766">Ukraine targets Crimea supply route as drone campaign seeks to isolate peninsula</a>&nbsp;“Pakistani military received ultra-credible information that the Mossad was preparing, under orders by Netanyahu, an assassination attempt against Asim Munir and maybe the rest of the Pakistani delegation going to Switzerland," Escobar said.&nbsp;Escobar further alleged that Pakistan responded by sending a warning to Israel, possibly through Oman. According to the journalist, the message conveyed by Islamabad was: “If you touch our delegation, we’re going to wipe you off the map, period."<h2>Pakistan rubbishes claim</h2>The claims have not been substantiated with any evidence and were swiftly rejected by Pakistani authorities.&nbsp;Kamran Khan, chairman of ARY News, said a well-placed Pakistani security official had described the allegation as “absolutely rubbish and complete nonsense”. According to the official cited by Khan, the Swiss visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir “proceeded like clockwork”.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-iran-has-told-no-tolls-insurance-costs-other-charges-being-sought-at-strait-of-hormuz-1782303977542">Trump says Iran has told ‘no tolls, insurance costs’ being sought at Hormuz</a>&nbsp;“At no point during the visit was there any security alert or even the slightest concern raised by the Swiss or US security teams," the official said.&nbsp;Neither the Israeli government nor Mossad has publicly commented on Escobar’s allegations.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Pakistan strongly rejected a Brazilian journalist’s unsubstantiated claim that Israel’s Mossad planned to assassinate Army Chief Asim Munir in Switzerland, calling the allegation “absolutely rubbish and complete nonsense.”

A Brazilian journalist has claimed that Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad was preparing to assassinate Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and members of the Pakistani delegation during a visit to Switzerland linked to efforts aimed at easing tensions between Iran and the US. The allegation was made by Brazilian journalist Pepe Escobar during an appearance on a podcast hosted by political commentator Mario Nawfal. According to Escobar, delegations from Pakistan and Qatar were present at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland as Iran and America concluded the first round of negotiations aimed at ending the conflict in West Asia. Also read: Ukraine targets Crimea supply route as drone campaign seeks to isolate peninsula “Pakistani military received ultra-credible information that the Mossad was preparing, under orders by Netanyahu, an assassination attempt against Asim Munir and maybe the rest of the Pakistani delegation going to Switzerland," Escobar said. Escobar further alleged that Pakistan responded by sending a warning to Israel, possibly through Oman. According to the journalist, the message conveyed by Islamabad was: “If you touch our delegation, we’re going to wipe you off the map, period." Pakistan rubbishes claim The claims have not been substantiated with any evidence and were swiftly rejected by Pakistani authorities. Kamran Khan, chairman of ARY News, said a well-placed Pakistani security official had described the allegation as “absolutely rubbish and complete nonsense”. According to the official cited by Khan, the Swiss visit by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir “proceeded like clockwork”. Also read: Trump says Iran has told ‘no tolls, insurance costs’ being sought at Hormuz “At no point during the visit was there any security alert or even the slightest concern raised by the Swiss or US security teams," the official said. Neither the Israeli government nor Mossad has publicly commented on Escobar’s allegations. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Pakistan strongly rejected a Brazilian journalist’s unsubstantiated claim that Israel’s Mossad planned to assassinate Army Chief Asim Munir in Switzerland, calling the allegation “absolutely rubbish and complete nonsense.”

‘Mossad planned to kill Asim Munir in Switzerland’: Brazilian journalist makes explosive claim, Pakistan rubbishes it

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir said on Sunday that the four-day conflict with India last year was a “battle between two ideologies” and went on to claim that Pakistan’s military strategy was “superior” during the hostilities. In his address during a ceremony at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the first anniversary of ‘Marka-e-Haq’, the name given by Islamabad to the four-day conflict with India, Munir claimed that Pakistan’s strategy was “superior” to that of India during the conflict.&nbsp;India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, carrying out precision airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists, after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes, though most of them were thwarted by the Indian military.The hostilities ended with an understanding on halting the military actions on May 10, 2025, following talks over the hotline between army officials of the two sides.&nbsp;<h2>‘India violated the sovereignty and territory of Pakistan’: Munir&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Munir alleged that India “violated the sovereignty and territory” of Pakistan between the night of May 6-7 and May 10 last year, and said Pakistan responded “with full national unity and military force”.“Marka-e-Haq was not merely a traditional war fought between two countries or militaries, but in reality, it was a decisive marka (battle) between two ideologies,” he said.&nbsp;Munir claimed that Pakistan had struck 26 targets during the conflict, but he did not provide any evidence in support of his claims.Munir reiterated his previous claim that India had sought a ceasefire through the US and that Pakistan agreed to it “in the interest of peace”.India maintains that Pakistan’s DGMO had called and pleaded for a ceasefire.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>‘Future wars would be different due to their multi-domain nature’</h2>&nbsp;&nbsp;Munir said future wars would be different due to their “multi-domain” nature, and claimed Pakistan is preparing for conflicts through technology, hardware and training.“Our defence will remain impeccable. We want peace and will maintain it through credible deterrence,” he said, highlighting Pakistan's military modernisation, including Hangor-class submarines, a new Rocket Force and fighter aircraft acquisitions.&nbsp;On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, India reaffirmed its right to defend itself against Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism while vowing to further strengthen the global fight against the menace.

Asim Munir said future wars would be different due to their “multi-domain” nature and claimed Pakistan is preparing for conflicts through technology, hardware and training. He also highlighted Pakistan's military modernisation, including Hangor-class submarines and a new Rocket Force.

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces Asim Munir said on Sunday that the four-day conflict with India last year was a “battle between two ideologies” and went on to claim that Pakistan’s military strategy was “superior” during the hostilities. In his address during a ceremony at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to mark the first anniversary of ‘Marka-e-Haq’, the name given by Islamabad to the four-day conflict with India, Munir claimed that Pakistan’s strategy was “superior” to that of India during the conflict. India had launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 last year, carrying out precision airstrikes on nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, eliminating at least 100 terrorists, after 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan launched retaliatory strikes, though most of them were thwarted by the Indian military. The hostilities ended with an understanding on halting the military actions on May 10, 2025, following talks over the hotline between army officials of the two sides. ‘India violated the sovereignty and territory of Pakistan’: Munir Munir alleged that India “violated the sovereignty and territory” of Pakistan between the night of May 6-7 and May 10 last year, and said Pakistan responded “with full national unity and military force”. “Marka-e-Haq was not merely a traditional war fought between two countries or militaries, but in reality, it was a decisive marka (battle) between two ideologies,” he said. Munir claimed that Pakistan had struck 26 targets during the conflict, but he did not provide any evidence in support of his claims. Munir reiterated his previous claim that India had sought a ceasefire through the US and that Pakistan agreed to it “in the interest of peace”. India maintains that Pakistan’s DGMO had called and pleaded for a ceasefire. ‘Future wars would be different due to their multi-domain nature’ Munir said future wars would be different due to their “multi-domain” nature, and claimed Pakistan is preparing for conflicts through technology, hardware and training. “Our defence will remain impeccable. We want peace and will maintain it through credible deterrence,” he said, highlighting Pakistan's military modernisation, including Hangor-class submarines, a new Rocket Force and fighter aircraft acquisitions. On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, India reaffirmed its right to defend itself against Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism while vowing to further strengthen the global fight against the menace.

Asim Munir said future wars would be different due to their “multi-domain” nature and claimed Pakistan is preparing for conflicts through technology, hardware and training. He also highlighted Pakistan's military modernisation, including Hangor-class submarines and a new Rocket Force.

Pak Army chief says last year’s conflict with India was ‘battle of two ideologies’, claims strategy superiority

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir made a bizarre yet surprising guest appearance in PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi’s speech on a U-turn on India game boycott at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. If not for his position as a Field Marshall in the Pakistani army and considering his role in handling the country’s military operations, his mention in a speech directed at playing India in a scheduled T20 World Cup game sounds off; however, Naqvi was clear in doing so, while retaliating how he remains unfazed by any threat from India, BCCI or even ICC.&nbsp;The PCB and the Pakistan government were under tremendous pressure to go back on their words of not taking the field against India in the February 15 showdown in Colombo, and following tensed closed-door discussions, multiple dialogue sittings with several boards, including the ICC, the UAE, the BCB and even SLC, they eventually agreed to play their arch-rivals in the marquee clash later this week.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-pressure-dialogues-and-fear-how-pakistan-agreed-to-play-india-in-colombo-on-feb-15-t20-world-cup-1770703479161">ICC pressure, dialogues and fear: How Pakistan agreed to play India in Colombo on Feb 15</a> &nbsp;The ICC also warned the PCB of long-term ramifications of this boycott, shortly after the Pakistan government posted on X, confirming its team’s participation in the 20-team tournament but refusing to play India (showing solidarity with the BCB over their treatment, and eventually exit from the World Cup, on the venue row).&nbsp; &nbsp;Naqvi, an interior minister in the Pakistani government, who also holds several other positions, including chairing the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the PCB, bizarrely mentioned Asim Munir while commenting about not feeling threatened by anyone. &nbsp;“Neither am I intimidated by the threats from India and the ICC, nor is the Government of Pakistan, and as for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, you already know about him; he never gets afraid,” Naqvi said in a bizarre statement, as quoted by The Week.<h3>India-Pakistan gets a green signal</h3>After days of drama, which began with Bangladeshi seamer Mustafizur Rahman's exit from the IPL 2026 early in January, Pakistan would now take on India in the marquee T20 World Cup tie in Colombo. Playing all its matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament's co-host alongside India, Pakistan was ready to forfeit the India game on Feb 15, letting go of two crucial points in its bid for a Super 8 spot. Although they narrowly won their tournament opener against the Netherlands in Colombo, letting go of the India match could have cost them dearly.&nbsp; &nbsp;They, however, have the USA as their opponents for their second league game on Tuesday (Feb 10) before taking on the defending champions five days later.&nbsp; &nbsp;Meanwhile, as things stand, India and Pakistan are first and second, respectively, on the points table in Group A.&nbsp;

Pakistan ends T20 WC boycott! Mohsin Naqvi invokes Field Marshal Asim Munir in a dramatic U-turn for the Feb 15 India clash. Inside the secret deals

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir made a bizarre yet surprising guest appearance in PCB boss Mohsin Naqvi’s speech on a U-turn on India game boycott at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. If not for his position as a Field Marshall in the Pakistani army and considering his role in handling the country’s military operations, his mention in a speech directed at playing India in a scheduled T20 World Cup game sounds off; however, Naqvi was clear in doing so, while retaliating how he remains unfazed by any threat from India, BCCI or even ICC. The PCB and the Pakistan government were under tremendous pressure to go back on their words of not taking the field against India in the February 15 showdown in Colombo, and following tensed closed-door discussions, multiple dialogue sittings with several boards, including the ICC, the UAE, the BCB and even SLC, they eventually agreed to play their arch-rivals in the marquee clash later this week. Also read | ICC pressure, dialogues and fear: How Pakistan agreed to play India in Colombo on Feb 15 The ICC also warned the PCB of long-term ramifications of this boycott, shortly after the Pakistan government posted on X, confirming its team’s participation in the 20-team tournament but refusing to play India (showing solidarity with the BCB over their treatment, and eventually exit from the World Cup, on the venue row). Naqvi, an interior minister in the Pakistani government, who also holds several other positions, including chairing the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the PCB, bizarrely mentioned Asim Munir while commenting about not feeling threatened by anyone. “Neither am I intimidated by the threats from India and the ICC, nor is the Government of Pakistan, and as for Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, you already know about him; he never gets afraid,” Naqvi said in a bizarre statement, as quoted by The Week. India-Pakistan gets a green signal After days of drama, which began with Bangladeshi seamer Mustafizur Rahman's exit from the IPL 2026 early in January, Pakistan would now take on India in the marquee T20 World Cup tie in Colombo. Playing all its matches in Sri Lanka, the tournament's co-host alongside India, Pakistan was ready to forfeit the India game on Feb 15, letting go of two crucial points in its bid for a Super 8 spot. Although they narrowly won their tournament opener against the Netherlands in Colombo, letting go of the India match could have cost them dearly. They, however, have the USA as their opponents for their second league game on Tuesday (Feb 10) before taking on the defending champions five days later. Meanwhile, as things stand, India and Pakistan are first and second, respectively, on the points table in Group A.

Pakistan ends T20 World Cup boycott! Mohsin Naqvi invokes Field Marshal Asim Munir in a dramatic U-turn for the Feb 15 India clash.

PCB's Mohsin Naqvi bizarrely mentions PAK army chief Asim Munir in T20 World Cup speech

pakistan-field-marshall-asim-munir

Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir, News on Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir, stories on Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir, articles on Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir, Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir stories at Wion, Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir news, Pakistan Field Marshall Asim Munir latest news

pakistan field-marshall-asim-munir

Pakistan’s new military law gives Asim Munir sweeping powers; he can now hire, fire, retire forces

After diplomacy and economy, Army Chief Asim Munir has new role in Pakistan

‘Mossad planned to kill Asim Munir in Switzerland’: Brazilian journalist claims

Pak Army chief says last year’s conflict with India was battle of two ideologies

PCB's Naqvi bizarrely mentions PAK army chief Asim Munir in T20 World Cup speech