Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has strongly condemned India’s acts of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan, stating that the assumption of Pakistan’s restraint in the face of future sovereignty violations represents a “dangerous misreading of its strategic fundamentals.”
Addressing the Pakistan Naval Academy’s passing out ceremony, the Army Chief asserted, “As we steadily, but surely, build our comprehensive national power, any enemy acting on the perceived vulnerability of Pakistan under the illusion of strategic impunity or miscalculation, would get a swift and a very befitting response.”
Last month, Pakistan and India experienced their most intense fighting in decades, triggered by an April 22 attack in Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir that resulted in 26 fatalities. New Delhi attributed the attack to “terrorists” backed by Pakistan, a charge vehemently denied by Islamabad.
India launched unprovoked attacks on Pakistan, leading to the martyrdom of over 50 individuals, including security personnel. In retaliation, Pakistan successfully downed multiple Indian jets and targeted military installations. Subsequently, the United States intervened through mediation to halt the hostilities.
During his address, the Army Chief noted India’s tendency to exploit what he termed “strategic relevance,” a “hubristic mindset,” and military capabilities for adventurism aimed at political gains. He specifically cited India’s “troubling absence of strategic foresight” and its two instances of unprovoked aggression against Pakistan under the pretext of counterterrorism in recent years, referring to actions following the 2019 Pulwama attack and the recent Pahalgam attack.
On both occasions, Field Marshal Munir emphasized that India’s recklessness was met with Pakistan’s resolute response, which not only upheld national honor but also prevented a dangerous and broader regional escalation. He highlighted that Pakistan, despite grave provocations, demonstrated restraint and maturity, showcasing its commitment to regional peace and stability, thereby reinforcing its role as a “net regional stabilizer.”
Furthermore, he cautioned that the burden of any ensuing escalation, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for the entire region, would squarely rest on the aggressor. “Pakistan will protect its sovereignty and core national interest decisively and without hesitation,” the Field Marshal declared, adding that the success of the “multi-domain operations of Marka-e-Haq” would forever remain etched in Indian memory.
He reiterated the unwavering resolve of Pakistan’s armed forces to defend the homeland at all costs, asserting that any attempts by India to divert attention from Pakistan’s progress in counter-terrorism would not succeed. The COAS pointed out that strategic distractions orchestrated by India frequently occur when Pakistan is on the verge of decisively turning the tide against terrorism, noting that such adversities have only strengthened Pakistan’s national resolve.
He also reaffirmed the armed forces’ unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, vowing to pursue this fight to its logical conclusion.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s longstanding position on the Kashmir dispute, Field Marshal Munir stated, “We continue to stand firmly with the people of Indian Illegally Occuped Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) in their just struggle for the right to self-determination, in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” He refuted Indian claims equating Kashmiri resistance with terrorism, asserting that the ongoing struggle in IIOJK is a legitimate freedom movement, recognized by international law and conventions. “Those who have tried to suppress the Kashmiri people’s will and pursue conflict elimination instead of resolution have only made the movement more relevant through their own actions,” he added.
Despite persistent efforts by adversaries to impede Pakistan’s progress, he concluded that the country remains steadfast on its path to development and prosperity, with a glorious past and a future promising the fulfillment of Pakistan’s manifest destiny.
