Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir reopened religious polarization by invoking the two-nation theory in a speech that criticized Hindus and evoked nationalist sentiment. Addressing the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Munir claimed Pakistanis are different from Hindus in religion, tradition, and ideology.
His address came amidst renewed violence in Balochistan as separatist militants attack. Munir demanded patriotism from foreign Pakistanis and vowed a stern military reaction to Baloch rebels. He refused to allow any group to separate Balochistan from Pakistan.
Asim Munir spreads anti-hindu message
Asim Munir stated, “You should narrate the story of Pakistan to your children so that they never forget. Our forefathers knew that we were different from Hindus in all respects.”
He asserted those ideological and cultural differences formed the two-nation theory. “We are two nations, not one,” he further stated.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir spews hate against #Hindus and propagates the #TwoNationTheory, which failed in 1971 when Bangladesh got independence from Pakistan. He asserts that children must be taught such “falsehoods” since it’s easier to brainwash youth. Shameful! pic.twitter.com/vaVZhEK4v8
— Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) April 16, 2025
This comment portrayed Hindus as ideological rivals. It also brought back the pre-partition narrative. The timing implies he wishes to divert the people’s attention away from strife in Balochistan by inciting religious passion.
Asim Munir threatens armed action in Balochistan
A fatal IED explosion in Balochistan a short while back resulted in the death of three police officers and wounding 18 others. Munir reacted sternly.
“We will beat the hell out of these terrorists soon enough,” he announced. He put the onus on factions such as Balochistan Liberation Army, Balochistan Liberation Front, and Baloch Republican Army.
He was quoted as saying, “Do you really think 1,500 terrorists can capture Balochistan from us?” His attitude is that the army will use force rather than political or economic means.
Sharif denounces attack, tones down
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the bombing. He directed medical treatment for the injured.
“Our struggle against terrorism will continue until this evil is eradicated,” he said. Unlike Munir, Sharif did not use ethnic terms or ideological language.
Menacing turn in national narrative
Asim Munir’s address marks a new direction in Pakistan’s domestic messaging. Rather than emphasizing development or unity, the military is awakening religious and ethnic fault lines.
This approach could mobilize marginalised groups and incite militant nationalism. It also deflects from failures of governance. Most importantly, it widens the rift between the military and provinces such as Balochistan, where calls for autonomy increase every day.
