Is Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s Anti-India Rhetoric a Sign of Frustration and Power Grab?

June 29, 2025: Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir’s recent speech at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi reflects growing frustration and an attempt to stir anti-India sentiment to bolster his standing within Pakistan’s military establishment, according to top intelligence sources.

Munir’s remarks appeared designed to reaffirm Pakistan’s commitment to proxy warfare in Kashmir while seeking to strengthen his influence over the Navy by invoking anti-India narratives, sources said. “The context for Munir’s speech stemmed from India’s aborted Karachi strike, which demonstrated India’s maritime capabilities and diplomatic strength, compelling Pakistan to de-escalate,” they added.

Intelligence officials highlighted Munir’s broader ambitions, warning that his aggressive posture serves as a wake-up call for Pakistan’s civilian leadership. “Munir aims to consolidate his power by leveraging anti-India rhetoric, which could destabilize internal politics,” they said.

During his address, Munir boasted of Pakistan’s “resolute response” to India despite acknowledging the heavy losses sustained during Operation Sindoor. He portrayed acts of terrorism as part of a “legitimate struggle,” claiming Pakistan had acted with restraint and maturity, thereby positioning itself as a “net regional stabiliser.”

Munir further reignited tensions over Kashmir, declaring Pakistan’s commitment to a “just resolution” of the issue in line with UN resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people. He described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and vowed a swift response to any perceived Indian aggression.

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Days before the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Munir’s statements suggested an escalation in Pakistan’s narrative over Kashmir, raising concerns about renewed instability in the region.

Earlier, News18 reported exclusive details of Munir’s speech delivered at the Four Seasons Hotel in Washington, where he made similar inflammatory comments on Kashmir, signaling his intent to keep the issue alive internationally.