Pakistan's Asim Munir threatens 'beyond proportions' response to India
What's the story
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir has issued fresh threats to India, warning of a "decisive" and "beyond proportions" response to any provocation. Speaking at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) in Kakul, Munir claimed that Pakistan's expanding military capabilities could "shatter the misconceived immunity of India's geographical warspace." He said there was "no space for war in a nuclearized environment," but warned that even "a minor provocation" would lead to severe consequences.
Blame game
Responsibility for escalation will lie with India: Munir
Munir further warned that the responsibility for any escalation "will squarely lie with India," adding that such actions could have catastrophic consequences for the region and beyond. He said, "Settle the core issues with Pakistan as per the international norms on the basis of equality and mutual respect." Munir's speech comes at a time when Pakistan has reportedly targeted Afghan civilians along its border.
Controversial rhetoric
Munir's earlier threats and 2-nation theory invocation
This is not the first time Munir has made such statements. Just days before a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 22, he had called Kashmir Pakistan's "jugular vein." He had also invoked the two-nation theory, urging citizens to teach their children to differentiate from Hindus. After the Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 civilians, Munir reiterated his stance on the two-nation theory and Kashmir being Pakistan's "jugular vein."
Counteraction
India's warning of Operation Sindoor 2.0
In response to Munir's threats, India has warned of "Operation Sindoor 2.0" against Pakistan-based terror groups in case of aggression. During military operations on May 7, India targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, killing over 100 terrorists. The operation was launched after the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians on April 22.