COAS Asim Munir Warns India: No Room for War in Nuclear Environment

ISLAMABAD; Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Saturday issued a firm warning to India, stating that “there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment,” while celebrating Pakistan’s “clear and decisive victory” in the four-day conflict with India in May 2025.

Tensions between Pakistan and India spiked in early May after a militant attack in Indian-occupied Kashmir’s Pahalgam led New Delhi to launch “Operation Sindoor” on May 7, striking inside Pakistani territory and causing civilian casualties.

Without providing credible evidence, India blamed Pakistan, triggering retaliatory strikes by Islamabad under “Operation Bunyanum Marsoos”. Intense artillery shelling and drone warfare followed, before a US-led diplomatic effort brokered a ceasefire.

Addressing a passing out parade at the Pakistan Military Academy (PMA) Kakul, COAS Munir cautioned India’s military leadership against miscalculations.

“I advise and firmly caution India’s military leadership that there is no space for war in a nuclearised environment,” he said. He stressed that Pakistan would respond decisively and disproportionately to any provocation. “The responsibility for any escalation, which may bear catastrophic consequences for the entire region, will rest solely with India,” he warned.

Highlighting Pakistan’s military capabilities, he said, “The reach and lethality of our weapon systems will shatter the misconceived immunity of India’s geographic warspace.”

He underscored that Pakistan’s “battle-hardened” forces had demonstrated their strength not only in sub-conventional warfare but also in conventional combat, neutralising multiple targets including Rafale jets and S-400 sites during the May conflict.

Field Marshal Munir praised the collective resolve of the Pakistani nation. “People from all walks of life stood united like a wall of steel. This unity has reignited national spirit and patriotism,” he said. He accused India of politicising terrorism, relying on self-fabricated evidence, and avoiding neutral investigations for political gains, while Pakistan emerged with international legitimacy and a renewed sense of national unity.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces, civilians, and martyrs, acknowledging the national leadership, bureaucracy, scholars, media, academia, and youth for standing firm during aggression.

Turning to economic matters, the army chief praised the government’s “relentless efforts” to stabilise the economy, noting that improving indicators were attracting foreign investment. He called on citizens to stay vigilant against digital misinformation and not fall prey to “populist anarchism and social subversion” in the post-truth era.

COAS Munir reiterated Pakistan’s stance that India continues to use terrorism as a state policy through groups like “Fitna al-Hind” and “Fitna al-Khawarij”, while expressing concern over Afghan soil being used for attacks in Pakistan. Urging Afghanistan to prioritise peace over violence, he warned, “Every state proxy of our neighbour will be razed to dust, God-willing.”

He reaffirmed support for Kashmiris, vowing continued diplomatic and moral support for their freedom struggle until resolution in line with UN resolutions.

Discussing Pakistan’s global role, the army chief said that the world was facing rising instability, yet Pakistan had emerged as a “net regional stabiliser.” He highlighted strengthened ties with Muslim countries, China, and improving relations with the United States, lauding US President Donald Trump’s role in global peace initiatives.

He also condemned Israel’s “blatant aggression and genocide” in Gaza and reiterated Pakistan’s support for a two-state solution.

Addressing the cadets, COAS Munir emphasised their responsibility to uphold loyalty, readiness, and innovation to meet modern security challenges. He congratulated local and international cadets on their graduation, praising PMA’s tradition of excellence.