New Delhi, June 29, 2025 : In a speech that has reignited tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir accused India of escalating regional instability through what he called “unprovoked aggression.” Speaking at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, Munir warned of a strong response to any future military actions by India while portraying Pakistan as a force for stability in South Asia.
Pakistan’s Claims of Restraint
General Munir claimed that India had carried out two unprovoked attacks against Pakistan, which he said demonstrated a lack of strategic foresight from New Delhi. Despite these alleged provocations, he insisted that Pakistan had shown “restraint and maturity” in its response.
“Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, but we will not hesitate to defend our sovereignty if challenged,” Munir said. He described Pakistan as a “net stabilizer” in the region, a claim that contrasts with international concerns over cross-border militancy and Pakistan’s historical support for insurgent groups in Kashmir.
Kashmir Issue Takes Center Stage
The army chief’s speech once again brought the disputed Kashmir region into focus. Munir referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” repeating a long-standing Pakistani nationalist slogan. He pledged support for Kashmiri separatists, saying Pakistan would continue advocating for a resolution based on United Nations resolutions and the “aspirations of the Kashmiri people.”
His remarks came just days after a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. India blamed Pakistan-based militants for the assault, leading to a swift and forceful response from New Delhi.
India’s Retaliation and Military Escalation
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India took two major steps: suspending key provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, which governs water-sharing between the two countries, and launching Operation Sindoor—a series of targeted strikes on alleged terror launchpads inside Pakistan.
The move triggered a three-day military confrontation (May 7-10) between the two nations, with both sides exchanging artillery fire and airstrikes along the Line of Control (LoC). The clashes marked one of the most serious escalations since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Fallout
The United Nations and several Western nations, including the U.S. and U.K., called for restraint from both sides. However, India maintained that its actions were defensive and aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure. Pakistan, meanwhile, sought to internationalize the Kashmir issue, urging the UN to intervene—a move India has consistently rejected, calling it an internal matter.
Historical Context of India-Pakistan Tensions
The latest flare-up is part of a decades-long conflict between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, a region both nations claim in full but control only partially. Since their independence in 1947, the two countries have fought three major wars over the territory. Diplomatic relations remain strained, with little progress in bilateral talks.
What’s Next?
Analysts warn that Munir’s latest remarks suggest Pakistan is unlikely to soften its stance on Kashmir. India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, has adopted a more aggressive posture against cross-border terrorism. With neither side showing willingness to back down, the risk of further military confrontations remains high.
by Mohammad Ismail.
