Kashif Abdullah


Kashif Abdullah

Born
Pakistan
Allegiance Pakistan
Branch Pakistan Army
Service years1994 — present
Rank Major General
Unit31 Punjab Regiment
Commands
  • GOC 41st Infantry Division
  • Director General Military Operations
Conflicts2025 India–Pakistan border skirmishes
MONUSCO
AwardsSitara-e-Basalat
Alma materPakistan Military Academy

Kashif Abdullah is a serving two-star general in the Pakistan Army, who is currently serving as the Director General of Military Operations (DG MO) at GHQ, Rawalpindi.[1]

Military career

Abdullah was commissioned in the 31 Punjab Regiment through the 89th PMA Long Course in 1994. As a brigadier, he served as sector commander of a sector under the Frontier Corps Balochistan (South), and also as a sector commander at the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo. He was promoted to the rank of Major General from Brigadier in 2022.[2]

Abdullah served as GOC of the 41st Infantry Division, assigned at Quetta.[3] He is currently serving as Director General of Director General of Military Operations (DG MO) at General Staff Branch, General Headquarters, Rawalpindi. As DGMO, he led delegation of Pakistan Army to Bahrain.[4] He also led the meeting of Pakistani delegation in Azerbaijan to have a conversation with Deputy Commander of the Azerbaijani Land Forces.[5][6]


Role in 2025 India - Pakistan border skirmishes ceasefire

During the 2025 India–Pakistan conflict, Major General Kashif Abdullah served as the Director General Military Operations (DGMO), where he was a central figure in Pakistan's operational strategy and response. Following the initial strikes on the first day of the conflict, the Indian Army requested a hotline discussion. However, the communication was established after Pakistan had executed its military response. [7]

On May 10, 2025, Abdullah engaged with his Indian counterpart, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, via the military hotline to discuss the de-escalation of hostilities. During the call, both sides agreed to halt further aggressions, effectively concluding the active skirmishes.[8][9]

For his "distinguished leadership and strategic role" during the operational response, and the subsequent management of the border crisis, the President of Pakistan conferred the Sitara-e-Basalat upon Abdullah on August 14, 2025.[10]

References

  1. ^ "India, Pak To Work Towards Reducing Alertness Levels: Sources". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  2. ^ Desk News, Tribune (2022-07-26). "32 brigadiers promoted to the rank of major-general". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  3. ^ "GOC 41 Division Major General Kashif Abdullah, CPO Quetta laying wreath of flowers on graveyard of martyrs on the occasion of celebrating Defence Day". 2022-09-06. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  4. ^ "Interior Minister receives Pakistani military official". Bahrain News Agency. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  5. ^ "Azerbaijan, Pakistan discuss intensifying joint military drills". News.Az. 2025-01-23. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  6. ^ "Deputy Commander of Azerbaijan Land Forces meets with Pakistani delegation". AZERTAG. 2025-01-24. Retrieved 2026-02-10.
  7. ^ “The Hotline That Prevented War: India-Pakistan Crisis Management Through Military Diplomacy,” CSDR Online, June 9, 2025, https://csdronline.com/blind-spot/the-hotline-that-prevented-war-india-pakistan-crisis-management-through-military-diplomacy/
  8. ^ Tripathi, Ashutosh (12 May 2025). "'No Firing Or Aggressive Action': India, Pak In First Talks After Ceasefire". NDTV. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  9. ^ Modak, Susmita (18 May 2025). "India Held Military Advantage As Pakistan Sought US Intervention". The Hans India. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
  10. ^ "President confers military awards on officers, soldiers for operation 'Bunyan-un-Marsoos'". The Nation. 2025-08-14. Retrieved 2025-11-13.