Event and Statement
Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir, who has been visiting the United States, made sharp statements against India. Addressing a function in Tampa, Florida, he told Pakistan will not hold back from engaging in a nuclear war if its very existence is under threat. He said that under such circumstances, Pakistan would be ready to take half of the world along with it.
Comments on Indus River and India
In his speech to Pakistani citizens residing in the United States, Munir spoke about potential future conflicts over water resources. He indicated that Pakistan would respond if India constructs dams on the Indus River. As per him, Pakistan possesses sufficient missiles to blow up such dams ten times. He further added that any future threat by New Delhi may result in retaliatory huge attacks.
Event Security and Attendees
According to reports, members of the Pakistani diaspora and representatives of the Israeli Defense Forces attended the event. Phones and electronic devices were said to be prohibited from being brought into the building. Munir's speech referenced current tensions between India and Pakistan.
Current Visits and Political Context
This visit is Munir's second such visit to the United States within two months. His past visit came after India's Operation Sindoor, initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. He was then invited for dinner by then-President Donald Trump and recommended that Trump be nominated for a Nobel Prize. His current visit comes against the backdrop of US tariffs against India, which has lent political importance to his tour. He is also being discussed as a future candidate for Pakistan's next president.
