The New York Times has lauded Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir for his strong leadership during the recent escalation in tensions between Pakistan and India.
In its latest report, the American newspaper said “he has been shaping Pakistan’s tone in the crisis over Kashmir with his own tough talk.”
The newspaper also noted that General Munir — once known for keeping a low public profile — has taken a prominent role in addressing recent cross-border developments after Pahalgam incident.
The newspaper quoted analysts who describe COAS General Munir as a “hard-liner” on India. His views, the report notes, are rooted in the belief that the long-standing dispute between the two South Asian neighbours is fundamentally religious in nature.
According to security analyst, Pakistan would feel compelled to respond if India launched military strikes.
“The question is whether Modi can choose to stop at this point. Even limited Indian strikes could spiral into a broader conflict”, the analyst said.
The article by New York Times correspondent Salman Masood comes amid heightened tensions between two nuclear powers, Pakistan and India.
General Asim Munir warns India
Last week, COAS General Asim Munir warned that any “misadventure” by India would be met with a quick and decisive response.
“Let there be no ambiguity: any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response. While Pakistan remains committed to regional peace, our preparedness and resolve to safeguard national interests is absolute,” he was quoted as saying by the ISPR.
It said the COAS lauded the “high morale, combat proficiency, and warfighting spirit” of the officers and troops, terming them the “embodiment of Pakistan Army’s operational excellence”
“Exercise Hammer Strike stands as a testament to Pakistan Army’s pursuit of continuous transformation through rigorous training, doctrinal innovation, and technological modernisation,” the ISPR said.
