Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir warned that his country would respond with “full military might” if its sovereignty or territorial integrity were endangered.
Speaking at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi during an interaction with the 15th National Workshop Balochistan, Gen Munir emphasised Pakistan’s desire for peace in the region. However, he made it clear that any threat to national sovereignty would be met with a powerful response.
“Pakistan seeks peace in the region and beyond; however, if Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are violated, Pakistan will respond with full force to preserve its national prestige and the well-being of its people,” he said, as quoted by GEO TV.
Pahalgam Attack Fuels Diplomatic Strain
The statement comes after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, where gunmen opened fire on a tourist spot in Baisaran valley, killing 26 civilians. The Indian government has blamed Pakistan-based elements for the attack, a charge Islamabad has denied.
India, in response to the assault, has taken several diplomatic actions including downgrading ties with Pakistan, suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, and closing the key land border crossing.
Pakistan Claims Indian Military Preparations
Following the attack, Pakistan claimed to have “credible intelligence” suggesting that India was preparing for military action. This allegation added further fuel to the already volatile relations between the two nations.
Munir Reaffirms Internal Security Agenda
Apart from addressing cross-border tensions, Gen Munir also discussed internal security, particularly the long-standing challenges in Balochistan. He criticised extremist groups operating under the guise of regional identity.
“Terrorist groups that perpetrate terror in the name of Baloch identity to advance their petty insidious agenda are a blemish on Baloch honour and patriotism,” he stated.
He reiterated that Pakistan’s armed forces and law enforcement agencies would continue fighting terrorism with the full support of the public.
India’s Military Readiness and Political Consensus
In the aftermath of the Pahalgam tragedy—the deadliest since the Pulwama attack in 2019—India’s armed forces have reportedly been granted full operational freedom by the government to determine the timing, method, and targets of any potential response.
The Indian government also called an all-party meeting, where opposition leaders extended their full support to any retaliatory measures the government might undertake.
