Who is General Asim Munir, Pakistan army chief who has 'admitted' military's direct role in Kargil?

Pakistan¡¯s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has made a significant acknowledgement regarding the country¡¯s military involvement in the 1999 Kargil conflict with India.

Speaking during a Defence Day event at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, General Munir paid tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers in past wars, including Kargil, marking a historic moment in Pakistan's military narrative.

First public statement of its kind from a serving army chief

"1948, 1965, 1971, the Kargil war between Pakistan and India, or the war in Siachen, thousands sacrificed their lives and were martyred for the safety and security of the country,¡± Munir said, acknowledging for the first time the Pakistan Army's direct role in Kargil.

Historically, Pakistan has maintained that the Kargil conflict was led by Kashmiri militants rather than its military forces. This narrative has been long debated, with former Chief of Army Staff General Pervaiz Musharraf previously describing the operation as a ¡°successful localized action.¡± He also acknowledged the involvement of the Force Command Northern Areas (FCNA), a unit within the Pakistan Army.

While the involvement of the military was an open secret, this is the first time a sitting army chief has made such an open admission. Families of soldiers and several officials, including Mushahid Hussain Syed, have confirmed that then Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif was unaware of the full details of the Kargil operation, which remains a divisive issue in Pakistan¡¯s military history.

Background of General Asim Munir

General Asim Munir became the Chief of Army Staff on November 29, 2022, after the retirement of General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Known for his distinguished military career, Munir entered the Pakistan Army through the Mangla Officers Training School and earned the Sword of Honour for his exceptional performance as a cadet.

Throughout his career, he has held several key leadership positions, including directing both Military Intelligence (MI) and Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). His dual experience leading both agencies makes him unique among Pakistan¡¯s army chiefs.

Munir is widely regarded as a disciplined and professional soldier who has maintained an apolitical stance during his tenure, even when political situations in Pakistan were unstable. He has commanded critical divisions, including those overseeing Kashmir, and has also served in Saudi Arabia, further strengthening his leadership credentials.

Analysts highlight Munir's commitment to institutional integrity, noting that he has gained respect within military circles for keeping the army out of domestic politics. His leadership is viewed as crucial to addressing the public's concerns about the military amid ongoing political and social challenges.

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