Field Marshal Asim Munir Reaffirms Kashmir’s Place on the International Agenda: An Unresolved Global Issue

Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff of Pakistan, addressed the Pakistani community in Washington, reaffirming that Kashmir remains not just an internal issue for India but an unresolved matter on the global agenda. His remarks, made during his visit to the United States, underscored the ongoing importance of Kashmir in international diplomacy. His statement highlights Pakistan’s unwavering stance on the Kashmir issue, as well as its significance in regional and global politics.

Kashmir: A Global Concern

Field Marshal Munir emphasized that Kashmir is not merely a dispute between India and Pakistan but an unresolved international issue. By quoting Pakistan’s founding father, Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who referred to Kashmir as the “jugular vein” of Pakistan, Field Marshal Munir underlined the region’s central importance to Pakistan’s national security. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, which call for a plebiscite to allow Kashmiris to determine their future. Despite the passage of decades, the Kashmir dispute remains unresolved under international law.

Field Marshal Munir called for the international community to take a more active role in resolving the Kashmir issue. He stressed that the failure to address Kashmir’s status under international frameworks has prolonged the conflict, with far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability.

Pakistan’s Strong Response to Indian Aggression

Field Marshal Munir addressed India’s provocations and emphasized Pakistan’s firm response to any Indian aggression. He made it clear that Pakistan would not tolerate any military action by India and would respond decisively to protect its sovereignty. He highlighted that Pakistan’s military forces have consistently defended the country while also ensuring peace in the region.

Field Marshal Munir pointed out that India’s provocations have escalated tensions, but Pakistan’s response remains resolute. Pakistan, he stressed, would ensure that India’s aggressive actions are met with a strong and appropriate response. His comments underscored Pakistan’s commitment to defending the rights of the Kashmiri people and safeguarding its territorial integrity.

India’s Global Image: A Contradiction

Field Marshal Munir also criticized India’s self-proclaimed status as a global leader, pointing out the contradiction between India’s claims and its actions on the ground. He noted that India’s intelligence agency, RAW, has been involved in transnational terrorist activities, raising concerns at the global level. Field Marshal Munir cited incidents such as the killing of a Sikh leader in Canada, the involvement of Indian naval officers in illegal activities in Qatar, and the arrest of Kulbhushan Jadhav in Pakistan as evidence of India’s destabilizing role in the region.

India’s efforts to portray itself as a responsible global power are undermined by these actions, which continue to destabilize neighboring countries. Field Marshal Munir’s comments were a strong reminder of the contradictions in India’s foreign policy, particularly regarding its treatment of Kashmir and its covert activities in other countries.

Pakistan’s Diplomatic Success and Strategic Efforts

Field Marshal Munir also highlighted Pakistan’s diplomatic successes in countering India’s aggressive policies. He pointed to Pakistan’s consistent efforts to raise the Kashmir issue on international platforms, ensuring that the world remains aware of the human rights violations taking place in the region. He credited these diplomatic achievements to the collective efforts of the nation, the political leadership, and the professionalism of Pakistan’s military forces.

Field Marshal Munir also thanked former US President Donald Trump for his strategic role in preventing a potential war between India and Pakistan in 2019. The Field Marshal acknowledged that Pakistan’s diplomatic success was a result of the collective national effort, with Pakistan’s military forces playing a key role in ensuring peace and security in the region.

Strengthening Pak-US Relations

The Field Marshal’s visit to the United States was his second in a short period, signaling a shift in Pakistan-US relations. Field Marshal Munir expressed hope that these visits would help establish a constructive and positive relationship between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening trade, security, and regional stability through a cooperative partnership with the US.

While working to improve relations with the US, Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to its core interests, particularly the Kashmir issue. He made it clear that while Pakistan sought to build stronger ties with the US, its stance on Kashmir would remain unchanged. The US, as a global power, has a significant role to play in encouraging India to resolve the Kashmir dispute and respect international law.

Concerns Over Terrorist Threats from Afghanistan

In addition to the Kashmir issue, Field Marshal Munir raised concerns about the growing threat from terrorist groups operating out of Afghanistan. He cited organizations such as Fitna al-Khawarij, which have launched attacks on Pakistan, further complicating the security situation in the region. Field Marshal Munir’s comments highlighted the ongoing instability in Afghanistan and its impact on Pakistan’s security, stressing the need for regional cooperation to address the growing threat posed by these groups.

Conclusion: Kashmir’s Unfinished Agenda

Field Marshal Asim Munir’s remarks emphasize the continued centrality of Kashmir in Pakistan’s foreign policy. Kashmir remains an unresolved issue, deeply rooted in Pakistan’s national security interests. The Field Marshal’s call for international intervention and the implementation of UNSC resolutions serves as a reminder that Kashmir’s status cannot be ignored any longer.

India’s efforts to suppress the voices of the Kashmiri people and erase the region’s painful history will not succeed. Pakistan’s diplomatic, military, and political efforts remain focused on supporting the Kashmiri people’s right to self-determination and the resolution of Kashmir’s dispute in accordance with international law. As long as the issue remains unresolved, Kashmir will continue to be a source of tension, with global implications for peace and stability.