In yet another combative address, Pakistan’s Field Marshal General Asim Munir accused India of launching two “unprovoked attacks” and vowed a “decisive response” to any future aggression. Speaking at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, Munir reiterated Islamabad’s stance on Kashmir and claimed Pakistan remains a “net regional stabiliser” despite recent military escalations.
The comments come in the wake of heightened Indo-Pak tensions following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack earlier this May, which killed 26 Indian civilians. India retaliated swiftly with Operation Sindoor, a series of precision airstrikes deep inside Pakistan targeting terror launchpads. The operation marked a major escalation and was accompanied by India suspending parts of the Indus Waters Treaty—a move seen as a direct diplomatic blow to Pakistan.
Despite these developments, Munir alleged that India was responsible for stoking instability in the region, calling its actions a sign of “strategic recklessness.” He claimed that Pakistan had shown restraint and maturity, even as it prepared to respond forcefully to any future incursions.
Reinforcing Islamabad’s long-standing position on Kashmir, Munir said, “Pakistan remains committed to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” He referred to Kashmir once again as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” echoing remarks made earlier this year that stirred controversy just days before the Pahalgam attack.
India has rejected Pakistan’s repeated attempts to internationalize the Kashmir issue, emphasizing its internal nature and accusing Islamabad of sheltering terror groups operating in the region. Analysts believe Munir’s speech may be aimed at domestic political consolidation and diverting attention from Pakistan’s worsening economic and internal security crises.
The Indian government has not yet responded to Munir’s latest remarks. However, defense officials have previously stated that the Indian Armed Forces remain on high alert and are prepared to deal with any escalation across the Line of Control or international border.
Munir’s repeated threats and the revival of hardline rhetoric on Kashmir may further destabilize the already fragile relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Regional observers have warned that such statements, especially amid heightened tensions, could increase the risk of miscalculation and military confrontation.
