At a Defence Day event, Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir made a groundbreaking revelation, acknowledging for the first time Pakistan’s active involvement in the 1999 Kargil War against India. This admission marks a significant shift from Pakistan’s previously ambiguous stance on the conflict.
Pakistan Army Chief General Munir highlighted the heavy toll of the war, stating that numerous soldiers lost their lives. His remarks are the first public acknowledgment by Pakistan of its direct role in the Kargil War, a notable departure from past reticence.
In his speech, Pakistan Army Chief Munir emphasized the bravery and dedication of the Pakistani military, stating, “The Pakistani community is a community of brave individuals who understand the value of freedom and the sacrifices required to secure it.” He underscored the historical sacrifices made by soldiers in various conflicts, including the wars of 1948, 1965, 1971, and the 1999 Kargil War, affirming that thousands of soldiers laid down their lives for their country and for Islam.
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir made a significant statement while honoring Pakistani soldiers who died in various conflicts with India, including the Kargil War. This is the first time in over two decades that Pakistan has openly addressed its role in the Kargil War, a topic that had been carefully avoided in official statements.
Historically, Pakistan had denied direct military involvement in the conflict, describing the infiltrators as “Kashmiri freedom fighters” or “mujahideen.” Officially, they claimed that Pakistani forces were merely “actively patrolling” while “tribal leaders” occupied the strategic heights during the war, which occurred 25 years ago.
In March 1999, General Pervez Musharraf, then a four-star General of the Pakistan Army, ordered a covert operation to infiltrate forces into the Kargil district of Ladakh. The infiltration led to a full-scale conflict after New Delhi discovered the intrusion in May 1999.
At that time, the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was functioning as a caretaker administration. The Vajpayee government had lost a confidence vote in the Lok Sabha by a single vote on April 17, 1999, further complicating the political situation in India during the conflict.
In May 1999, the Indian Army launched Operation Vijay, supported by the Air Force, to reclaim the Kargil heights from Pakistani forces. By July 26, 1999, Indian troops had successfully regained control of the strategic positions despite the challenging terrain of the Himalayas and the initial advantages held by the Pakistani occupants.
The conflict came at a significant cost to India, with over 500 soldiers losing their lives in the line of duty and more than 1,300 others sustaining injuries. The operation demonstrated the resilience and determination of the Indian forces in overcoming formidable obstacles.
India has consistently maintained that the Kargil conflict was a direct act of aggression by the Pakistani military. Evidence of this intrusion emerged from intercepted communications between General Pervez Musharraf, who was visiting Beijing, and his Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Mohammed Aziz, in Rawalpindi. These conversations, dated May 26 and May 29, 1999, revealed the Pakistani military’s involvement and the use of terrorists as a cover for their actions.
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Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has consistently claimed that General Pervez Musharraf did not inform him about the plans for the Kargil conflict. In a 2018 interview, Sharif shared that Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had told him that the Kargil operation felt like a betrayal, coming as it did shortly after the Lahore Declaration.
Additionally, the Pakistani Army refused to accept the bodies of its soldiers who died in the Kargil War. Reports indicate that the Indian Army had to bury several of these Pakistani soldiers’ bodies in the Kargil sector following the end of the conflict.
Source: Businesstoday.in
Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir: Career Highlights and Achievements of Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff”
General Asim Munir Ahmed Shah is a prominent Pakistani military leader who has held various important positions within the Pakistan Army. Here’s a detailed look at his background, career, and achievements:
Background:
- Full Name: General Asim Munir Ahmed Shah
- Date of Birth: March 16, 1966
- Place of Birth: Pakistan
Career and Achievements:
- Military Education and Early Career:
- Pakistan Military Academy: Asim Munir graduated from the Pakistan Military Academy, where he received rigorous training and education in military tactics and leadership.
- Initial Assignments: He began his career with the Pakistan Army in the 23rd Pakistan Army course and initially served in various infantry units, where he gained valuable experience and demonstrated leadership skills.
- Key Positions:
- Director-General of Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI): General Munir served as the Director-General of the ISI, Pakistan’s premier intelligence agency, from 2018 to 2019. During his tenure, he played a crucial role in overseeing the agency’s intelligence and counterintelligence operations, as well as contributing to national security strategies.
- Corps Commander: Before becoming Pakistan Army Chief, he held the position of Corps Commander of the IX Corps in Peshawar, one of the major military commands in Pakistan, responsible for the strategic security of the region.
- Chief of Army Staff (COAS):
- Appointment: Pakistan army chief General Asim Munir was appointed as the Chief of Army Staff of the Pakistan Army on November 29, 2022. As COAS, he assumed the highest position in the Pakistan Army and took over the role of leading the military’s strategic and operational directives.
- Leadership Role: As COAS, Pakistan Army Chief General Munir is responsible for the overall command, control, and administration of the Pakistan Army. His role includes shaping military policies, overseeing defense operations, and representing the Army in national and international forums.
- Operational and Strategic Contributions:
- Counter-Terrorism Operations: Throughout his career, Pakistan army chief General Munir has been involved in numerous counter-terrorism operations. His leadership has been pivotal in the Army’s efforts to combat insurgency and terrorism in Pakistan.
- Strategic Planning: His strategic acumen has contributed to various military and defense planning initiatives, enhancing Pakistan’s security posture and operational readiness.
- Significant Public Statements:
- Acknowledgment of Historical Conflicts: Recently, Pakistan Army chief General Munir has made headlines for publicly acknowledging Pakistan’s role in historical conflicts such as the 1999 Kargil War, marking a significant shift from past official positions.
- Awards and Honors:
- Military Awards: Pakistan army chief General Munir has received various military awards and decorations in recognition of his service and contributions to the Pakistan Army. These honors reflect his dedication and achievements throughout his military career.
Legacy and Impact:
General Asim Munir is a seasoned military leader whose career reflects a blend of strategic insight and operational experience. His tenure as Pakistan Army Chief of Army Staff continues to shape the direction and policies of the Pakistan Army, and his leadership in key positions has had a significant impact on Pakistan’s national security and defense strategies.