In an extraordinary and infrequent direct warning issued during a visit to the United States, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir indicated his nation's willingness to retaliate with missile attacks and even nuclear escalation if India proceeds with contentious dam development along the Indus River.
Addressing a black-tie gala in Tampa thrown by Pakistan's honorary consul, Adnan Asad, Munir rejected India's own claim to the river as "not Indians' family property" and cautioned that Islamabad has "no lack of missiles, al-Hamdulillah [praise be to God]," The Print quoted.
In an even more dire declaration, Munir invoked Pakistan's nuclear power, stating: "We are a nuclear nation. If we think we are going down, we'll take half the world down with us." This is the first time any Pakistani military commander has openly connected a water dispute to nuclear threat while addressing an international audience, particularly from within the United States.
The Indus River has been a source of contention between India and Pakistan, two nuclear powers and neighbors, for decades. Water rights disputes, fueled by mutual suspicion, have repeatedly strained relations. Munir's comments imply that Islamabad views India's dam-building projects as an affront to its national security, with apprehension that rivalry over common resources will lead to a full-blown geopolitical crisis.
General Munir made the speech on his second trip to Washington after a recent four-day battle with India. He was in Tampa to attend the retirement ceremony of outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) head General Michael E. Kurilla and the Change of Command ceremony when Admiral Brad Cooper took over as commander.
The visit was confirmed by Pakistan Army in a statement but the date of his arrival and duration of stay were not disclosed.
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Besides making public appearances, Munir also interacted with US top political and military leadership, including Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine. The discussions, it is said, concerned collaborative professional interests, during which Munir invited Caine to Pakistan.
Whereas Pakistani leaders tend to send stern warnings regarding Kashmir and water issues, sending such a sharp missile and nuclear threat from American soil represents a dramatic increase in rhetoric. According to analysts, the remarks might further intensify international fears about South Asian stability particularly if resource tensions areexplicitly linked with nuclear brinkmanship.
