ISLAMABAD: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has accused India of attempting to destabilise the South Asian region, warning that any hostile action will be met with a “decisive and forceful response.”
Speaking to members of the Pakistani community during his official visit to the United States on Sunday, the army chief said,
“India continues its efforts to create instability, but Pakistan has made it clear that any aggression will be answered appropriately.”
High-Level Engagements in the United States
According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Field Marshal Munir attended the retirement ceremony of outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla and the change-of-command ceremony for Admiral Brad Cooper in Tampa.
During his visit, he met senior US political and military leaders, aiming to strengthen Pakistan–US relations. This marks his second visit to the US within six weeks, which he described as a “new chapter” in bilateral ties.
Criticism of India’s Policies and Actions
COAS Munir dismissed India’s self-portrayal as a “Vishwaguru” (global leader), calling it misleading. He pointed to multiple incidents as evidence of Indian intelligence agency RAW’s involvement in transnational terrorism, including:
- The killing of a Sikh leader in Canada
- The detention of eight Indian naval officers in Qatar
- The capture of Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan
He condemned recent “Indian aggression” as a blatant violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty, which led to civilian casualties and pushed the region to the brink of war. He credited former US President Donald Trump’s “strategic leadership” for preventing escalation into a full-scale conflict.
Kashmir: An Unfinished International Agenda
Reaffirming Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir, Munir declared the dispute as “not India’s internal matter” but an unresolved issue under UN Security Council resolutions. Quoting Muhammad Ali Jinnah, he described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and urged the international community to recognise its significance.
Security Concerns from Afghanistan
On regional security, the COAS warned that terrorist groups, including fitna-al-khawarij, were operating from Afghan soil against Pakistan.
“Pakistan remains the final stronghold in the fight against terrorism. We will show no leniency—terrorists will face justice with full force,” he stated.
Overseas Pakistanis: A Source of Strength
Addressing expatriates, Munir described overseas Pakistanis as a “source of dignity and pride,” rejecting the term “brain drain” and instead calling them “brain gain.” He highlighted their vital role in national development, especially in times of crisis, when they are among the first to provide aid.
Concerns Over Social Media Manipulation
Munir cautioned against the misuse of social media by anti-state actors to create “manufactured chaos.” Citing the Holy Qur’an, he urged citizens to verify information before sharing it to prevent harm and regret.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic and Economic Gains
The army chief noted Pakistan’s recent diplomatic successes, with agreements underway between Pakistan and countries such as the US, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and China to boost economic cooperation and attract investment.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s youth—64% of the population—are full of untapped potential. The real question, he said, is no longer whether Pakistan will rise, but how quickly and how strongly it will do so.
