South Asia’s security depends on Kashmir resolution: CJCS General Mirza

SINGAPORE: General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Pakistan’s Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), stated that the lack of a robust crisis management system has hindered world powers from intervening quickly in the Pakistan-India issue.

During the Shangri-La Dialogue 2025, taking place in Singapore, CJCS argued that South Asia’s security depends on dialogue and that the foundation of peace in South Asia lies in the settlement of the Kashmir problem under UN resolutions.

“Conflict prevention offers first aid for post-crisis efforts. He continued, “The South Asian area bears a risk of nuclear war.”

He claimed that the epicenter of world power is the Asia Pacific. He said, adding that the Kashmir issue—the solution of which is obvious—is the true root of Pak-India tension. Pakistan wants a long peace with India founded on respect, dignity, and equality.

He stressed the importance of energizing the current dialogue setup on both regional and worldwide levels. General Mirza said, adding that Pakistan desires a principles-based global system grounded on sovereignty and restraint, the state of the India-Pakistan war following Pahalgam incident is jeopardizing the development of the area.

General Mirza commented on India’s one cancellation of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT), saying, “using water as a weapon is a clear violation of international law”.

According to the National Security Committee, he said, “an attempt to stop or divert water would be viewed as an act of war.” The CJCS noted that Pakistan has been consistently asking for the formal dialogue system to be restored with India and the international community. India breached the UN Charter by targeting civilians and places of worship.

General Sahir Shamshad Mirza claimed, “No crisis can be solved efficiently without equality, trust, and sensitivity.