In a strongly-worded address that is likely to provoke a response from New Delhi Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has reaffirmed Islamabad’s hardline stance on Kashmir, described the region as the country’s “jugular vein,” and doubled down on the two-nation theory that formed the ideological basis of Pakistan’s creation in 1947.
Speaking to a gathering of overseas Pakistanis, General Munir urged them to remain connected to their roots, saying they represent a “superior ideology and culture.” His speech reflected a sharp ideological pitch, invoking religious and cultural distinctions between Muslims and Hindus as he defended the historic two-nation theory.
“You must tell Pakistan’s story to your children,” he said. “Our forefathers believed we were different from the Hindus in every way our religion, traditions, thoughts, and ambitions. That belief laid the foundation for Pakistan, and we must preserve it.”
The two-nation theory, championed by Muhammad Ali Jinnah before Independence, proposed that Muslims and Hindus constituted separate nations and could not coexist within a single country a view that led to the partition of British India. General Munir’s reassertion of this divisive narrative stands in stark contrast to India’s secular framework and the shared historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
On the volatile issue of Kashmir, the General delivered an uncompromising message: “It was our jugular vein, it will remain our jugular vein. We will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.” His comments underline Islamabad’s continuing commitment to its claim over the region, even as diplomatic channels between India and Pakistan remain strained.
General Munir also took aim at concerns over Pakistan’s internal security and investment climate, saying: “Do you think terrorists can change this country’s destiny? If a 1.3 million-strong Indian Army cannot intimidate us, how can these terrorists?” He pledged that Pakistan’s armed forces would defeat terrorism and internal separatist threats, especially in Balochistan.
“Balochistan is Pakistan’s pride,” he declared. “You cannot take it away not in ten generations. We will defeat the terrorists very soon. Pakistan will not fall.”
While the Ministry of External Affairs in India has yet to respond formally, General Munir’s statements particularly on Kashmir and Balochistan are expected to draw strong diplomatic reactions in the coming days.
General Munir’s speech sends a clear message on Pakistan’s current political and ideological priorities. At a time when the country is grappling with internal challenges from economic instability to separatist movements the Army appears to be doubling down on nationalism and religious identity as unifying forces. His reaffirmation of the two-nation theory and assertion of Pakistan’s Islamic ideology serves to rally overseas Pakistanis and reinforce the military’s central role in shaping national narratives.
The tone and timing of these statements also underscore the military’s continued dominance over Pakistan’s foreign and security policies, particularly its posture toward India. As India watches closely, the potential for renewed diplomatic tension between the two nuclear-armed neighbours remains high.
