The chief of the Pakistani Army, Air Marshall Asim Munir, reiterated his anti-India stance by describing Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” during a speech to the Pakistani community in Florida, USA.

As reported, Munir stated that Kashmir is “not merely an internal issue for India but rather an unfinished international agenda. As the Quaid-e-Azam articulated, Kashmir is the ‘jugular vein’ of Pakistan.”

These remarks were made while he was addressing the Pakistani diaspora in Tampa, Florida, during his current visit to the United States.

Munir also mentioned that this marks his second trip to the US in just a month and a half, indicating a new phase in Pakistan-US relations. He emphasized that the purpose of these visits is to steer the relationship towards a constructive, sustainable, and positive trajectory.

He expressed deep gratitude towards Trump, crediting his strategic leadership for halting the conflict between India and Pakistan, as well as averting numerous other wars globally. However, India has asserted that the ceasefire was established through bilateral agreements.

During his address, Munir noted that a trade agreement with the US is anticipated to draw significant investments, highlighting Pakistan’s notable achievements in international relations.

‘Jugular vein’ comment made shortly before Pahalgam attack
Just weeks prior to the devastating Pahalgam attack, Munir had declared that Pakistan would not overlook the Kashmir issue, affirming, “It is our jugular vein.”

In response, India’s Ministry of External Affairs remarked, “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a union territory of India. Its only connection to Pakistan is the need for that country to vacate illegally occupied territories.”

Following the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor in May, which resulted in the destruction of nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Pakistan.

Munir, however, stated that Pakistan reacted “resolutely and forcefully” during the recent conflict with India.

Munir’s visit to the US
Munir is currently on an official trip to the US. He has participated in high-level discussions with senior political and military leaders, as well as members of the Pakistani diaspora, according to a statement from the Pakistani army.

In June, Munir traveled to the US for a five-day visit, during which he attended a private luncheon with President Donald Trump, a rare honor typically reserved for visiting heads of state or government.

This meeting resulted in Trump’s announcement of increased US-Pakistan collaboration in various sectors, including an oil agreement.