ISLAMABAD: The American newspaper has termed COAS Gen Asim Munir Pakistan’s “most powerful man” amid the recent confrontation with India following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The publication, The New York Times, reported that Gen Munir, who usually works behind the scenes, has been shaping “Pakistan’s tone in the crisis” over Kashmir with his own tough talk.
Until recently, Pakistan’s most powerful man preferred to stay behind the scenes, but after the terrorist attack nearly two weeks ago in Indian occupied Kashmir, Pakistan’s army chief has stepped to the center of sharpening tensions between Pakistan and India, it added.
On Thursday last week, the Army Chief, while addressing troops at Tilla Firing Range, said, “Let there be no ambiguity. Any military misadventure by India will be met with a swift, resolute, and notch-up response.”
That was a reference to Pakistan’s vow to match or exceed any Indian strike, the report added.
“General Munir’s comments have been seen in India and Pakistan as reflecting his need to project strength and rally public support after his country has struggled for years with political divisions and economic hardship,” it reported.
