Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s recent Kashmir speech is being interpreted as an omen to the disastrous Pahalgam attack, where 26 lives were lost to terror violence. Munir’s remarks, made on April 17, were just five days prior to four militants opening fire on tourists in Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow.
Munir’s Controversial Speech
While speaking at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Munir made a provocative speech, reiterating the two-nation theory. He emphasized the deep-seated cultural, ideological, and religious differences between Hindus and Pakistanis by stating, “You have to tell your children the story of Pakistan so that they don’t forget it when our ancestors believed we were different from Hindus in every facet of life.”. Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our ideas are different, our goals are different; that’s where the base of the two-nation theory was established. We are two nations, we are not one nation.
Munir also reminded Pakistani people to hold their connection with the founding principles of the country, citing that the sacrifices made by their ancestors should never be remembered only in vain, making sure that the coming generations realize why Pakistan was important.
Munir’s Background and Career
Raised by an imam and school teacher, Munir was brought up in a strongly religious household. Being a Hafiz-e-Quran (a person who has memorized the entire Quran), Munir has frequently incorporated Islamic verses in his speeches, supporting his strong religious ideologies.
Prior to being appointed as the army chief, Munir had a brief stint as the chief of Pakistan’s spy agency, ISI, in 2018. His term was, however, terminated when Prime Minister Imran Khan appointed Lt. Gen. Faiz Hamid in his place. After Khan was removed from office, Munir regained power and was appointed as the army chief. Munir joined the military in 1986 during Zia-ul-Haq’s government, where he graduated from the Officers Training School (OTS) at Mangla and received the Sword of Honour, and was commissioned into the Frontier Force Regiment’s 23rd Battalion.
Impact of Munir’s Statements
Munir’s recent statements regarding Kashmir, along with his provocative rhetoric, have attracted a great deal of attention. His statements, reflecting the attitude of Pakistan in the past with respect to Kashmir and its tense relations with India, are being viewed as contributing directly to increasing violence in the region, leading to the Pahalgam attack.
