Asim Munir- the man seen as having triggered the latest conflict between India and Pakistan- is under sharp focus following the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists. Just before the attack, a provocative speech by him went viral, in which he referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” and reiterated the ‘two-nation theory’. Many now see the speech as a catalyst for the brutal violence that followed—attackers reportedly killed victims after questioning them about their religion—and it has further intensified the already tense situation between the two nations.
Is He Under Arrest?
There are some unconfirmed reports causing rumours about a possible coup inside the Pakistan Army. According to reports, a group within the military has arrested and removed Army Chief General Asim Munir. The development has sparked confusion and tension across Pakistan and the region. Some sources also suggest that General Sahir Shamshad Mirza is likely to replace Munir.
Why Is He Under Arrest?
Some claimed that Munir was arrested for triggering conflict with India and endangering Pakistan for personal gain, though there has been no official confirmation from Pakistan. The Pakistan Army’s media wing, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), has not issued any statement addressing these rumours.
Who Is Asim Munir?
Asim Munir is in his late 50s. He is the son of a school principal and religious scholar. He joined the army through the Officers Training School in Mangla in 1986, earning the prestigious Sword of Honour given to the best-performing cadet. He then joined the 23rd Frontier Force Regiment as a commissioned officer. Born to a father who worked as both a school teacher and an imam, the army chief grew up in a deeply religious environment. He is often chanting Islamic verses during his speeches.
Critics have strongly condemned Asim Munir for interfering in Pakistan’s politics, despite holding a military position. They accuse him of targeting Imran Khan’s party, PTI, and using military courts to punish civilians involved in the May 9, 2023 riots after Khan’s arrest. Imran Khan also accuses Munir of acting against him, violating neutrality pledges, and even plotting to assassinate him.
Use Of Military Against Civilians
After the May 9, 2023 riot, Asim Munir started putting civilians on trial in military courts using the Pakistan Army Act and the Official Secrets Act. Human rights groups criticised this decision. Later, Pakistan’s Supreme Court ruled that these trials were against the Constitution. Asim Munir faced criticism for supporting the removal of Afghan refugees who were living in Pakistan without legal documents, even though many of them were in tough situations.
On Kashmir
Pakistan’s army chief, who is a Hafiz-e-Quran (a person who has memorised the entire Quran), has repeatedly given speeches that promote Islamic ideologies. In the past, his speeches about Kashmir have also been provocative and inflammatory.
Addressing public a few days back of Pahalgam terror attack, he said: “You have to narrate Pakistan’s story to your children so that they don’t forget it when our forefathers thought we were different from Hindus in every possible aspect of life. Our religion is different, our customs are different, our traditions are different, our thoughts are different, our ambitions are different; that’s where the foundation of the two-nation theory was laid. We are two nations, we are not one nation.”
