Pakistan army chief defends terror groups in Kashmir, warns India against ‘future aggression’
PTC Web Desk: Pakistan’s army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir has stirred controversy once again by backing armed groups active in Jammu and Kashmir. In a recent address, Munir described these outfits, commonly referred to by India as terrorist groups, as part of a “legitimate struggle” and reaffirmed Islamabad’s ongoing support for their cause.
Speaking at a passing out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday, Munir reiterated that Pakistan would continue to offer political, diplomatic, and moral backing to the Kashmiri people. The top army official insisted that what India identifies as terrorism is, in fact, a fight for self-determination, citing international laws and United Nations resolutions.
“What India tends to term as terrorism is in fact the legitimate struggle as per international conventions,” Munir said. “Pakistan will always continue to provide political, diplomatic, and moral support to the valiant people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.
He further stated that lasting peace in the South Asian region would remain a distant dream without a “just and peaceful” solution to the Kashmir dispute, claiming that the issue remains central to regional stability.
The general’s comments come weeks after his similar remarks at an Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad on April 16. At that event, Munir had called Kashmir the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, a phrase often used by Pakistani leaders to assert their claim over the region.
So far, the Indian government has not responded to Munir’s latest remarks. However, past statements from Pakistan on Kashmir have been strongly rejected by India’s External Affairs Ministry, which has consistently maintained that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and any support for terrorism across the border is unacceptable.
The timing of Munir’s speech is notable, as it follows heightened tensions between the two countries. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terrorist launchpads and infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas. The operation was a response to the Pahalgam Terror Attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. What followed was four days of heavy cross-border firepower involving drones, missiles, and long-range weapons. Military action on both sides was paused after May 10 following a mutual understanding.
Referring to past incidents, Munir claimed that India had launched “two unprovoked acts of aggression” against Pakistan, including the airstrike in Balakot in 2019 following the Pulwama suicide attack, and the recent clashes in May. He warned that any future misstep by India could lead to serious consequences.
“Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity,” Munir said, adding, “But any enemy miscalculating Pakistan’s strength or assuming strategic impunity will face a swift and befitting response.”
According to him, Pakistan has been playing the role of a “regional stabiliser,” but would not hesitate to act decisively to protect its sovereignty.
- With inputs from agencies
