Pakistan Army Chief Backs Terror Under Guise of ‘Legitimate Struggle’, Rakes Up Kashmir Again

Last Updated:June 29, 2025, 10:05 IST

Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir blamed India for escalating tensions in the region and claimed that Islamabad was a "net regional stabiliser".

Pakistan's Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir. (File)

Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir once again threatened India and took a hardline stance on Kashmir, blaming New Delhi – without any evidence – for the recent tensions in the region in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.

Notably, India and Pakistan exchanged cross-border hostilities for four days after India launched Operation Sindoor against terror camps in the neighbouring country. India struck several air bases and dealt a crushing blow to Pakistan Army’s capabilities, while also effectively repelling missile and drone attacks.

Despite this, Munir claimed India had twice undertaken acts of unprovoked aggression, marked by a “troubling absence of strategic foresight", and vowed a decisive response to any future Indian aggression.

Speaking at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday, Munir claimed Pakistan gave a “resolute response" to India, despite reaching out to New Delhi after sustaining heavy losses during Operation Sindoor.

“Pakistan, despite grave provocations, acted with restraint and maturity, and demonstrated its commitment to regional peace and stability, which has led to Pakistan’s role as a net regional stabiliser," he said. Munir also assured that Pakistan would respond with a swift and befitting response to any future aggression.

Munir also raked up the Kashmir issue, saying, “Pakistan is a strong advocate for a just resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people."

He also called for a “just and peaceful resolution" to the Kashmir issue for lasting peace in the region. Days before the Pahalgam terror attack, Munir had reignited the issue by claiming that Kashmir was Pakistan’s “jugular vein".

Over 100 terrorists, including top commanders like JeM leader Abdul Rauf Azhar and family members of Masood Azhar, were killed in India’s Operation Sindoor. The conflict lasted till May 10 afternoon when the Pakistan side requested a ceasefire in view of the heavy losses suffered by it in the attacks by the Indian Air Force.

Karachi, Pakistan

News world Pakistan Army Chief Backs Terror Under Guise of ‘Legitimate Struggle’, Rakes Up Kashmir Again