The visit marks Munir’s second high-profile trip to Washington in less than two months, underscoring the growing importance of military diplomacy in Pakistan’s foreign policy. During his time in the US, he made his remarks about Kashmir, highlighting the longstanding friction between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
General Munir's comment regarding Kashmir as an unresolved international issue continues to reflect Pakistan’s official stance. This is not the first time that the Pakistan military leadership has reiterated its position on the territory, which both countries claim in full but administer in part. The rhetoric surrounding the issue has flared up significantly since India’s revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, a move that restructured the state of Jammu and Kashmir and led to a more robust global debate.
The military chief also referenced the “jugular vein” comment, which has become a defining phrase in Pakistan’s narrative regarding Kashmir. The term has been used repeatedly by Pakistani leaders to symbolise the region’s strategic significance, asserting that any conflict over Kashmir would directly impact Pakistan’s security and sovereignty. Munir’s words reflect both the military’s continued influence in foreign policy matters and its commitment to assert Pakistan’s position on international platforms.
Munir’s US visit, which was framed by diplomatic meetings with American officials, highlights the evolving role of military leadership in Pakistan’s international engagement. While in Washington, he engaged in discussions surrounding military cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and regional security concerns. These meetings also addressed the continuing conflict in Afghanistan, which remains a key point of tension between Pakistan, the United States, and the broader international community.
Despite his diplomatic efforts, Munir’s remarks on Kashmir have sparked a strong reaction, particularly in India, where the issue remains a matter of national pride and territorial integrity. Indian officials have consistently rejected any international mediation on Kashmir, describing it as an internal matter of Indian sovereignty. The contrasting positions reflect the deep divisions between the two nations, which have a history of unresolved territorial disputes, several of which date back to the partition in 1947.
For Pakistan, Kashmir remains a critical issue that defines much of its foreign policy. The ongoing conflict is not just about territorial control, but also about the legitimacy of Pakistan’s role in the region. The military’s voice on the matter is particularly influential given its central role in national security and foreign policy. Munir’s statements, made while in Washington, aim to assert Pakistan’s stance in the global arena and seek international recognition of Kashmir’s disputed status.
The timing of Munir’s remarks is notable, as they come at a time when tensions between Pakistan and India have simmered, particularly with regard to cross-border terrorism allegations and military skirmishes in the disputed region. The US, which has long maintained a delicate balance in its relations with both countries, finds itself in the difficult position of navigating these tensions while promoting regional stability.
Munir’s statement may also be seen as part of a broader diplomatic effort by Pakistan to align itself with key global powers in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics, especially in relation to China and the broader Indo-Pacific region. With the growing influence of China and its strategic partnership with Pakistan, the military leadership has been keen to project a united front on issues like Kashmir, which have historically garnered international attention.