New Delhi: In a move that is set to ignite fresh tensions between India and Pakistan, General Asim Munir, the Chief of Pakistan’s Army, has affirmed Kashmir as Islamabad’s “jugular vein,” reinforcing a stance that is unlikely to soften any time soon. Addressing a gathering of overseas Pakistanis, General Munir urged them to uphold and pass on the story of Pakistan’s creation, emphasizing the “superior ideology and culture” they represent. These statements not only underscore Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to Kashmir but also reinforce the two-nation theory—a concept that underpinned the partition of India in 1947.
General Munir stressed that Kashmir has been, is, and will remain central to Pakistan’s national identity. He framed the region as indispensable, aligning it with the country’s vital interests. Furthermore, he iterated the two-nation theory, which posits that Hindus and Muslims are fundamentally distinct in terms of religion, customs, traditions, thoughts, and ambitions. This philosophical divide, according to General Munir, justifies the existence of Pakistan as a separate nation-state.
In his address, General Munir also labeled Pakistanis abroad as ambassadors of the country, encouraging them to foster a strong bond with their homeland by imparting its history and ideology to future generations. On a separate front, he addressed concerns about terrorism affecting Pakistan’s investment climate. General Munir dismissed these fears, arguing that even the might of the Indian Army has failed to intimidate Pakistan, let alone terrorists. He assured that the armed forces would decisively crush separatist movements in Balochistan, which he described as a source of national pride.
General Munir’s remarks are significant for several reasons. They reinforce Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir, signaling no intent to back down from its claims. Moreover, by invoking the two-nation theory, he underscores a sense of national identity that contrasts sharply with India’s secular ethos. This rhetoric is likely to exacerbate tensions between India and Pakistan, with New Delhi expected to respond critically to such statements.
