Pakistan Army Chief Reignites Kashmir Row, Defends Terror as ‘Legitimate Struggle’

Pakistan Army Chief Escalates Rhetoric on Kashmir, Warns India Over ‘Future Aggression.’

Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir reignited tensions with India on Saturday by reiterating Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir and warning of a “swift and befitting response” to any perceived future Indian military actions.

Addressing cadets at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi, Munir referenced recent hostilities triggered by the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, blaming India for “unprovoked aggression” during subsequent military operations. This includes India’s Operation Sindoor, which reportedly targeted terror camps across the border, causing significant damage to Pakistani military assets.

Despite acknowledging Pakistan’s losses during the operation, Munir claimed Islamabad exercised “restraint and maturity,” positioning the country as a “net regional stabiliser.” He further stated that while Pakistan seeks peace, it remains ready to defend itself against any escalation from New Delhi.

In a move likely to draw criticism from India, the army chief also repeated Pakistan’s support for what he called a “legitimate struggle” in Kashmir. “Pakistan remains committed to a just resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people,” he said.

This is not the first time Munir has invoked strong rhetoric on Kashmir. Earlier, he had called the region Pakistan’s “jugular vein,” a phrase commonly used by Pakistani leaders to stress the country’s historical claim over the territory.

Following Operation Sindoor, reports indicated that over 100 militants were killed, including senior commanders linked to terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed. The operation concluded after a ceasefire was requested by Pakistan on May 10, citing heavy losses and intensified Indian airstrikes.

India maintains that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and has consistently accused Pakistan of backing cross-border terrorism. New Delhi has reiterated that meaningful dialogue with Islamabad can only proceed once Pakistan stops supporting armed groups operating from its soil.