By Sardar Khan Niazi

In a powerful message delivered against the backdrop of regional volatility and enduring geopolitical tension, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir has reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to the Kashmir cause. His recent statements not only reaffirm a longstanding national position but also reflect the military’s strategic continuity regarding one of the subcontinent’s most intractable disputes. Speaking during a high-level briefing at the Line of Control (LoC), the Army Chief praised the resilience of the Kashmiri people under Indian occupation and stated unequivocally that Pakistan will continue to support their right to self-determination in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. While his remarks will be warmly received domestically, particularly in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), their broader significance lies in their reaffirmation of a policy that has remained central to Pakistan’s security doctrine for over seven decades. Despite diplomatic setbacks and regional realignments — including India’s controversial abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 — Pakistan’s civil-military leadership continues to maintain that Kashmir is the jugular vein of the country. COAS visit to forward positions at the LoC serves multiple purposes. It is a gesture of solidarity with troops deployed in challenging terrain under frequent threat of cross-border fire. It is also a message to India that despite ongoing economic challenges at home, Pakistan’s resolve on Kashmir remains intact. His emphasis on operational preparedness and unflinching morale of the soldiers reinforces a clear signal: the military remains vigilant and fully capable of responding to any provocation. Yet, the COAS words also carried a broader diplomatic undertone. He stressed peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute, aligning with Pakistan’s repeated calls for dialogue under the umbrella of international law. In a global climate increasingly defined by strategic pragmatism, such positions are designed to portray Pakistan not only as a responsible regional actor but also as a staunch advocate for human rights. However, critics may argue that mere rhetorical reaffirmation is insufficient. The evolving international indifference to the Kashmir issue — as seen in the muted response of global powers to India’s actions post-2019 — suggests that Pakistan must adopt a multi-pronged strategy. Military solidarity must be matched by robust diplomatic engagement, sustained media advocacy, and concrete efforts to build international pressure on India to allow for an impartial plebiscite. There is also an urgent need to ensure internal cohesion and economic stability, both of which are critical to projecting strength on the external front. In this regard, the civil and military leadership must work in tandem to bolster national unity and resist narratives that seek to sow division or distract from core national interests. COAS message also underscores an important aspect of civil-military alignment. With political discourse often mired in partisan wrangling, the clarity of the Army’s position helps anchor national focus on an issue of vital importance. It also acts as a deterrent to those who may seek to exploit Pakistan’s domestic vulnerabilities through kinetic or hybrid means. As the regional order continues to evolve — particularly with China’s growing influence, the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan, and shifting US interests — Pakistan’s Kashmir policy must remain adaptable yet firm. The COAS renewed commitment signals that while tactics may evolve, the strategic objective remains unchanged: the just resolution of Kashmir in line with the aspirations of its people and international law. Ultimately, the Kashmir cause is not merely a matter of territory, but of principle and identity. As long as injustice persists in the occupied valley, statements like those made by COAS will continue to resonate — both as a reassurance to the Kashmiri people and as a reminder to the world that Pakistan has neither forgotten nor forsaken them.