Asim Munir is a high-ranking officer in the Pakistani military who has held the position of Chief of Army Staff since November 2022. On May 20, 2025, he achieved the five-star rank of Field Marshal, becoming just the second individual in Pakistan’s history to possess this rank while serving as army chief.
Munir started his military career after finishing at the top of his class from the Officers Training School in Mangla, receiving the esteemed Sword of Honour. He is the first army chief in Pakistan's history to be a Hafiz-e-Quran, having memorized the complete Quran while stationed in Saudi Arabia.
Throughout his career, Munir has held numerous important roles. He served as Director-General of Military Intelligence, Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), and Commander of the XXX Corps located in Gujranwala. His approach to leadership is regarded as structured, tactical, and aimed at enhancing Pakistan's security and regional influence.
As the head of the army, Munir is recognised for promoting a “Pakistan first” perspective. He has adopted a strong position on matters related to national security, regional stability, and interactions with neighboring nations, particularly India. His time in office has also been characterized by political engagement, notably the military's participation in civilian trials and assertive statements regarding Kashmir.
Supporters commend his dedication to national unity and security, whereas critics draw comparisons between his leadership approach and that of the former military leader General Zia-ul-Haq. This combination of strong military command, political power, and religious authority places him among the most powerful and scrutinized individuals in Pakistan currently.
On this India Today special report, Gaurav Sawant examines the massive, coordinated assault by Baloch freedom fighters across 12 cities in Balochistan. Describing it as 'one of the most audacious, multi-city, simultaneous assault by Baloch fighters against the Pakistani security forces,' Sawant highlights the scale of the strikes from Quetta to Gwadar. The program features insights from experts Sushant Sareen, Dr. Tara Kartha, and Major General Sanjay Meston, who discuss the strategic implications of the Baloch Liberation Army's Majid Brigade and Fatah Squad operations. The transcript details how fighters used vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) to target security gates and paramilitary garrisons. The discussion also covers the involvement of women fighters and the overwhelming public support for the insurgents. The report further explores the simultaneous instability in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Tira Valley, suggesting a potential strategic cooperation between diverse groups against the Pakistani state amidst claims of heavy casualties on both sides.
In this exclusive interaction from Davos, renowned foreign policy expert Fareed Zakaria analyses the 'Trumpian world order' and its implications for India. Speaking to Rajdeep Sardesai, Zakaria warns that India should not attempt to 'stare down' Donald Trump without sufficient economic leverage, noting that 'Don't threaten when you don't have the leverage... don't bluff.' He discusses the shifting dynamics of the MAGA coalition's attitude toward Indian-Americans and the potential risks of Trump's transactional approach to diplomacy, including his interactions with Pakistan's leadership. Zakaria describes the current era as the 'most dramatic moment' in international relations, marking a significant rupture of the post-World War II stable system. The conversation also touches upon the volatility of global markets, the impact of potential US midterm elections, and the controversial 'Board of Peace' for Gaza. Zakaria concludes by highlighting the long-term economic risks of isolationist policies and high tariffs, drawing parallels to India's own economic history.
In this special report from the World Economic Forum in Davos in January 2026, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai and foreign policy expert Fareed Zakaria analyze the shifting global order under Donald Trump’s presidency. Zakaria argues that Trump is reorienting American foreign policy by challenging traditional alliances with Europe, India, Japan, and South Korea. The discussion examines the 'Donro Doctrine' and the potential for a volatile 'post-American world' that may benefit China. For India, Zakaria emphasizes the necessity of maintaining a long-term partnership with the United States to advance up the technological value chain while focusing on internal economic modernization. The program also features Guan Xin of CGTN, who reports on China’s $1.2 trillion trade surplus despite ongoing tariff wars. Additionally, Indian industry leaders Rajan Mittal and Anand Goenka provide perspectives on India’s economic fundamentals amidst global market volatility. The report highlights the growing uncertainty in international trade and the strategic necessity for nations to diversify partnerships within a fluctuating 'Trumpian world order.'
In this edition of Davos Brainstorm, watch as geopolitical expert Fareed Zakaria decodes the shifting global order under Donald Trump’s presidency and how India should deal with him and more.
In this report, a Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist identified as Abu Musa Kashmiri has issued a direct genocidal threat against Hindus while speaking in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The terrorist stated, 'Kashmir bheekh maangne se nahi milega, hinduon ki gardan kaatne se' (Kashmir will not be gained by begging, but by cutting the necks of Hindus). This provocative rhetoric follows the significant setbacks suffered by terrorist groups during Operation Sindoor. The speaker notes that such statements reveal the true intent behind the concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind and mirror the aggressive stance of Pakistan's Army Chief, Asim Munir. The bulletin highlights that the language used by terrorists in PoK is identical to that used by the Pakistani military leadership prior to the Pahalgam terror attack. Arvind Ojha provides further insights into the security implications of these threats and the possibility of future attacks as terrorists drop their pretenses under military pressure.
On this report, Pranay Upadhyay discusses the breaking news of Pakistan's central bank partnering with World Liberty Financial, a crypto business linked to US President Donald Trump's family. The deal involves integrating the USD1 stablecoin into Pakistan's regulated digital payment system for cross-border transactions. Pranay Upadhyay notes that 'this clearly shows that, you know, how Pakistan is trying to cozy up with President Donald Trump, his personal business interests'. The discussion highlights the role of Bilal bin Saqib and Field Marshal Asim Munir in fostering proximity with the Trump administration. This agreement, involving SC Financial Technologies, marks one of the first publicly known stablecoin tie-ups between a sovereign state and World Liberty Financial. The official announcement is expected during World Liberty CEO Zach Whitcock's visit to Islamabad, reflecting warming Pakistan-US ties and Pakistan's strategic efforts to regain US favours through personal and business inroads within the Trump inner circle.
The big focus on this episode of India First is on the spiking tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
In this special broadcast of India First, Executive Editor Gaurav Sawant discusses the escalating rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, marked by Saudi airstrikes in Mukalla and the UAE’s withdrawal from Yemen. The panel, including Lt Gen Syed Atta Hasnain, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, Dr. James Dorsey, and Dr. Wael Awad, analyses the impact on the region and Pakistan. A major focus is Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who claimed ‘divine help’ during Operation Sindoor against India. Gen Hasnain predicts 2026 could be the ‘year of doom’ for Munir amidst internal and external challenges. The discussion also explores the geopolitical shifts in the Red Sea, the UAE's expanding influence in Pakistan's economy through the Fauji Foundation, and the potential for a new Middle East order involving Israel.
The big talking point of this episode of India First is admissions by Pakistan's top leadership regarding Operation Sindoor.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Congress MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, discussed the geopolitical turbulence of 2025.
In a special year-end report, this broadcast provides a multi-faceted analysis of the major geopolitical upheavals of 2025. The program features an in-depth interview with Dr. Shashi Tharoor, Congress MP and Chairperson of the Standing Committee on External Affairs, alongside a roundtable with international experts. Dr. Tharoor identifies 'Trumpian turbulence' and its effect on tariffs and global alliances as a defining feature of the year. He provides a detailed account of 'Operation Sindoor', which he calls the year's most significant event, and discusses Pakistan's 'asymmetric deterrence'. The broader discussion with experts covers the new US National Security Strategy, the shifting global order involving the US, China, and Russia, and ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East and Ukraine. This comprehensive review examines India's 'multi-alignment' strategy in an increasingly fragmented and multipolar world.
In this year-end Global Roundtable, experts discuss the shifting global order involving the US, China, and Russia, and ongoing peace efforts in the Middle East and much more.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar, Western Command Chief, warns that Pakistan's military leadership, driven by self-preservation, might attempt another attack.
In a year-end interview with India Today, Congress MP and Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor, discusses the geopolitical turbulence of 2025. Tharoor reflects on 'Trumpian turbulence' defining the year, the impact of US tariffs on India, and the 'Operation Sindoor' fallout. He addresses the 'fragile' situation in Pakistan, warning that India must be prepared for 'military adventurism' despite the ceasefire. Tharoor also critiques the notion of a rapprochement with China, stating, 'China is sitting on our frontiers and nibbling away at our territory.' He emphasizes the need for a bipartisan approach to foreign policy, asserting, 'There's no such thing as a BJP foreign policy... only Indian national interest.'
In an interview, a political commentator discusses India's turbulent neighborhood, focusing on China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The speaker warns against any form of capitulation to China, stating, 'No Indian with self-respect would do that'. The discussion covers Pakistan's military posturing after 'Operation Sindoor', its economic fragility, and its close ties with China. The speaker also expresses grave concern over the instability in Bangladesh, highlighting provocative rhetoric from student leaders threatening to 'sever our seven sisters' northeastern states from the rest of the country'. The conversation touches upon the potential extradition of Sheikh Hasina, Dhaka's internal problems, and its growing ties with Pakistan, which could create a new, unsettled front for India's foreign policy.
BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman on Thursday returned to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile. Rahman, who was greeted by millions of party supporters in Dhaka, declared, 'I have a plan for my country,' signalling a major political shift ahead of the 2026 elections.
In this special report, India Today Global Editor Pranay Upadhyay covers the historic return of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman to Bangladesh after 17 years of exile. Rahman, greeted by millions in Dhaka, declared, 'I have a plan for my country,' signaling a major political shift ahead of the 2026 elections. The bulletin also highlights Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s new 20-point peace plan and his sharp Christmas message wishing Russian President Vladimir Putin 'may perish.' Additionally, the report details the brutal attack on former Pakistani Minister Shahzad Akbar in the UK and updates on the US releasing Jeffrey Epstein documents.
On this Special Report, the panel discusses the political future of Pakistan's former Prime Minister following a 17-year jail sentence. The programme analyses whether the military establishment, led by the Army Chief, has successfully dismantled the opposition or if the jailed leader retains public support. Key topics include the economic crisis, the 'Pakistan se Zinda Bhaag' sentiment, and potential geopolitical pressures regarding Gaza. Experts also debate the stability of the current regime and the historical patterns of military interventions in Pakistan.
Senior Executive Editor Gaurav Sawant reports on the major legal setback for former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and his wife Bushra Bibi, who have been sentenced to 17 years in jail. Speaking on India Today, Sawant explains that the conviction in the Toshakhana case involves 'very expensive gifts' such as Rolex watches received from the Saudi Crown Prince, which were allegedly 'undervalued' and sold for profit. The programme also features Senior Anchor Sumit Chaudhary, who details the proceedings inside Adiala Jail, noting that the prosecution proved the gifts were acquired for 2.8 million but were worth 5.8 million. Sawant highlights the political friction, stating that 'Asim Munir hates Imran Khan' and ensuring he remains incarcerated.
In this edition of India Today Global, Executive Editor Geeta Mohan reports on the anti-terrorism charges filed against jailed former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s sisters following protests outside Adiala Jail.
