Pakistan Army Chief Stokes Tensions, Calls Terror ‘Legitimate Struggle’ in Kashmir Remarks

Pakistan Army Chief Defends Terror Tactics as ‘Legitimate Struggle’, Escalates Rhetoric on Kashmir.

Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir has once again stoked tensions with India, issuing fresh threats and invoking the Kashmir issue while defending acts of terrorism under the guise of what he termed a “legitimate struggle.”

Speaking at the Pakistan Naval Academy in Karachi on Saturday, Munir claimed, without presenting any evidence, that India was responsible for escalating regional tensions, particularly in the aftermath of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. His remarks came days after India concluded Operation Sindoor, a major counterterror offensive that reportedly targeted multiple terror camps across the Line of Control (LoC), inflicting significant damage on Pakistan-based terror infrastructure.

Despite India’s strong response, Munir alleged that New Delhi had shown a “troubling absence of strategic foresight” and warned of “decisive retaliation” against any future Indian actions. He further claimed that Pakistan had responded to Indian strikes with “restraint and maturity,” positioning Islamabad as a “regional stabiliser.”

In a controversial statement, Munir appeared to justify terrorism, calling it part of a “legitimate struggle” for Kashmir. He reiterated Pakistan’s longstanding narrative, saying the issue must be resolved in accordance with UN resolutions and the “aspirations of the Kashmiri people.” The army chief described Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” – rhetoric frequently used by Islamabad to assert territorial claims over the region.

His comments mark a fresh escalation following Operation Sindoor, during which Indian forces targeted key terror operatives and facilities. The campaign, which lasted until May 10, reportedly led to the deaths of more than 100 terrorists, including high-ranking commanders such as Jaish-e-Mohammed’s Abdul Rauf Azhar and close relatives of its founder, Masood Azhar.

Pakistan eventually sought a ceasefire after sustaining significant losses in both air and ground strikes by Indian forces.

Munir’s renewed assertions, especially amid growing international pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror networks, are likely to draw criticism. India has repeatedly emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir is an internal matter and that there can be no dialogue with Pakistan until it ceases supporting cross-border terrorism.