Amid ongoing tensions with Afghanistan, Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has issued a fresh warning to its long-standing rival, India, asserting that Islamabad’s enhanced military capabilities could shatter India’s “misguided assumptions” about geographical warfare.

Speaking at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Abbottabad, Munir emphasised that the current nuclear environment leaves no room for conventional warfare. He cautioned India that even a minor provocation could trigger a “certain, cross-border” response from Pakistan.

“If any new hostility arises, Pakistan will respond with greater strength than anticipated. Those initiating such acts cannot even fathom the consequences. As distances in war and communication shrink, our lethal arsenal will dismantle India’s false sense of geographical security,” Munir said.

He further warned that the retaliatory strikes would inflict military and economic damage beyond the imagination and calculations of those creating instability and chaos.

Munir placed full responsibility for any escalation of tension squarely on India, noting that such escalation could lead to destructive consequences for the region and beyond.

This warning comes at a time when Pakistan is involved in cross-border clashes with Afghan security forces, resulting in dozens of casualties on both sides. The border skirmishes have intensified concerns over regional stability.

Previously, on 16 April, speaking at an event in Islamabad, Munir highlighted Pakistan’s stance on Kashmir: “Our position is very clear: Kashmir is the lifeline of our nation and it will remain so. We will never forget this. We will never abandon our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.”

Key Points

Munir’s statements reflect Pakistan’s hardline military posture at a time of heightened regional tensions, signalling that any miscalculation could have severe consequences for South Asia.

Source: NDTV