Field Marshal Asim Munir had spewed venom against India before the Pahalgam attack. On April 22 this year, Pakistani terrorists killed tourists after asking their names and religion. India launched Operation Sindoor in May and destroyed 9 terrorist camps and 11 bases. After the India–Pak clash, Pakistan elevated Munir to the rank of Field Marshal, and this year, the Shehbaz Sharif government amended the Constitution and made him Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Munir got five-year extension
Asim Munir has received a five-year extension, but Field Marshals never retire. It is certain that Asim Munir would engage India with his ill intentions. India has the capacity to teach him a lesson, but the nation is focusing on its economy.
In an exclusive conversation, Navbharat Times (NBT) spoke to former Army Chief Ved Prakash Malik and tried to understand the jihadi mindset of Asim Munir.
‘India should not remain in delusion’
After taking charge as the CDF, Munir threatened India with war, stating that “India should not remain in delusion, and the Pakistani reply will be far more dangerous.”
General Malik told NBT that Asim Munir is a General with a radical mindset, and his thoughts are dangerous. He believes in a radical Islamic ideology, and his views are anti-Hindu and anti-India. He is currently the most powerful person in Pakistan, even more powerful than the government.
Munir’s ideology reflects elements of dictators
Munir’s ideology reflects elements of both former dictators Zia-ul-Haq and General Pervez Musharraf. Malik further said that Munir is a cruel person, and a clear example is Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan. Everyone is witnessing how he is taking revenge on Imran Khan, he added.
The former Indian Army Chief said that “India should stay vigilant.” He said Pakistan would not attempt any misadventure from their side, and if they do so, they will be wiped out. They will play the “Islamic card”, he said.
Malik is of the view that Pakistani nuclear weapons are in the hands of Munir, and India should not cross the “red line” as Munir is a hardliner and believes in a radical Islamic ideology.
