Intel Failure? Asim Munir Rebukes Top Pakistani Generals Over Afghan Taliban Attacks | Exclusive

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 10:53 IST

Sources say Munir sharply rebuked his top commanders for what he described as a major “intelligence failure” and a “lack of strategic depth” on Pakistan’s western frontier.

Top intelligence sources said the Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir's tone during the meeting was stern and uncompromising. (AP File)

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, convened an emergency high-level meeting at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi last night following a series of coordinated and successful attacks by Afghan Taliban fighters on Pakistani military posts along the Durand Line, top intelligence sources have told CNN-News18.

Top intelligence sources reveal that the meeting was attended by Corps Commander Peshawar Lieutenant General Omer Ahmed Bokhari, Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Rahat Naseem Ahmed Khan, Chief of General Staff (CGS) Lieutenant General Muhammad Avais, Director General Inter-Services Intelligence (DG ISI) Asim Malik, Director General Military Intelligence (DGMI) Major General Wajid Aziz, and Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Major General Kashif Abdullah, among other senior officials from the analysis wing.

Munir, according to intelligence insiders, sharply rebuked his top commanders for what he described as a major “intelligence failure" and a “lack of strategic depth" on Pakistan’s western frontier. He reportedly demanded detailed answers from each participant, questioning why advance intelligence of such a massive assault was missing and why there was no immediate military backup prepared for a swift counter-offensive.

Top intelligence sources said the Pakistan Army Chief’s tone during the meeting was stern and uncompromising. “Where was advance intel? What is the reason behind this intelligence failure?" Munir is said to have asked. He further grilled the generals on their contingency planning and the absence of an effective operational strategy to repel the surprise Taliban offensive.

According to intelligence sources, Field Marshal Munir directed all senior commanders to submit a comprehensive report within seven days to the office of the Chief of General Staff, detailing the lapses, causes, and corrective measures. He also issued fresh directives to ensure heightened vigilance across all sectors and to take “extra measures on all fronts to avoid any further damage."

The same sources said Munir reminded the generals that “Pakistan is at war," both internally and externally, and urged the institution to transform Pakistan into a “hard state" in its fight against terrorism. “How long will we continue as a soft state while sacrificing countless young soldiers and civilians? It’s time to act," he reportedly told the gathering.

Top intelligence sources confirmed that the Afghan Taliban launched heavy artillery strikes from seven fronts — Angoor Adda, Bajaur, Kurram, Dir, Chitral, Waziristan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Bahram Chah and Chaman in Balochistan — catching Pakistani forces off guard. The attacks, described as unprovoked and highly coordinated, exposed serious gaps in intelligence gathering and border preparedness.

Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to top intelligence sources, ended the session with a clear message: Pakistan’s security establishment must regain control, strengthen strategic foresight, and prevent any repeat of such failures.

Manoj Gupta

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

Group Editor, Investigations & Security Affairs, Network18

News world Intel Failure? Asim Munir Rebukes Top Pakistani Generals Over Afghan Taliban Attacks | Exclusive

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