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Pak Army Chief Munir Revives Two-Nation Theory Amid Tensions With India

Pakistan Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir reignited controversy on Saturday by invoking the two-nation theory during his address at the Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul, Abbottabad.

His remarks come at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 civilian lives.

Munir Justifies Pakistan’s Creation Through Two-Nation Theory

While addressing the passing-out parade, General Munir stated that Pakistan’s foundation rests on the belief that Muslims and Hindus are ‘two distinct nations’.

“The two-nation theory was based on the fundamental belief that Muslims and Hindus are two separate nations, not one. Muslims are distinct from Hindus in all aspects of life, religion, customs, traditions, thinking, and aspirations,” Munir said.

He asserted that Pakistan came into existence after a long struggle and immense sacrifices by its forefathers, and that it was the duty of the armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty.

References To Kashmir And Anti-India Rhetoric

Munir referred to the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions and indirectly linked them to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam.

“Our forefathers gave immense sacrifices for the creation of Pakistan. We know how to defend it,” he said, signalling a firm military posture amidst regional instability.

This is not the first time Munir has made such provocative comments.

Just days before the Pahalgam attack, during an event for Overseas Pakistanis in Islamabad, he described Kashmir as Pakistan’s ‘jugular vein’ and urged the diaspora to remain committed to what he termed a ‘superior ideology and culture’.

“Our religions, customs, traditions, and ambitions are different. That was the foundation of the two-nation theory,” he added, once again asserting Pakistan’s ideological distinction from India.

PM Shehbaz Sharif Calls For Probe Into Pahalgam Attack

At the same ceremony, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready to participate in a ‘neutral, transparent, and credible’ investigation into the Kashmir terror attack.

His statement appeared aimed at easing diplomatic tensions, though Munir’s rhetoric may undermine those efforts.

India Slams Munir’s Remarks; Reaffirms Claim On Kashmir

India responded strongly to Munir’s remarks. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed the Pakistani Army Chief’s claims, reiterating that Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India.

“How can anything foreign be their jugular vein? This is a Union Territory of India. Its only relationship with Pakistan is the vacating of illegally occupied territories by that country,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing on April 17.