Pakistan Army Chief and Field Marshal Asim Munir has again ratcheted up the temperature with India by reiterating his belligerent Kashmir war cry. Just days after describing Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” Asim Munir went a step further in a recent address, justifying terrorism as a “legitimate struggle.” Addressing the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, Munir attributed the heightened hostilities to India without providing any proof.
He asserted Pakistan has exercised restraint while putting Islamabad forward as a “net regional stabiliser.” His statement comes in the aftermath of the Pakistan-sponsored Pahalgam terror attack that killed more than two dozen Indian tourists and led India to initiate a strong military and diplomatic counterattack.
Munir Defends Terror, Blames India
In his recent address, Asim Munir blamed India for escalating regional tensions. He alleged India had behaved provocatively and driven the region towards instability. He also labelled Pakistan’s reaction as mature and peaceful.
Asim Munir once more mentioned Kashmir, calling upon Pakistanis to respect the “sacrifices of our Kashmiri brothers” and supported a resolution founded on UN resolutions.
All this despite Pakistan’s own violations of human rights and insurgencies in Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and PoK. These areas are still neglected, with local inhabitants experiencing disappearances and a lack of access to basic facilities.
Jugular Vein Claim Fuels Hostility
Asim Munir had previously referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” during a speech to the Pakistani diaspora living overseas. He promised never to let go of the cause. A few days later, Pakistan-backed terrorists struck at civilians in Pahalgam.
India retaliated in a big way. It suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, giving Pakistan a crushing economic punch. It also initiated Operation Sindoor, pulverizing several terror launchpads within Pakistani borders.
India Responds with Force
After the Pahalgam attack, India and Pakistan fired across the border for four days. India attacked Pakistani airfields, softened enemy defenses, and shot down missiles and drones.
India’s response is consistent. Ever since the 2016 Uri attack, India has had a policy of retribution. From the Balakot airstrikes following Pulwama to surgical strikes, India has made it clear that it will not accept terrorism anymore.
Proxy War Continues
Pakistan cannot win a direct fight against India. Its army, under the command of Munir, depends on proxy war. This means funding terror outfits to bleed India incrementally. Be it from the 26/11 Mumbai attacks or Pahalgam, the plan is the same.
India now retaliates with power, establishing a “new normal.” Munir’s words only betray Pakistan’s hypocrisy—proclaiming peace while facilitating terror. His new Kashmir warning betrays desperation as well as defiance. But India is prepared to defend every inch of its land, by force if necessary.
