Crying foul over India’s criticism of Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir’s nuclear rhetoric during his US visit, Islamabad on Monday described itself as a “responsible nuclear weapon state”, while calling MEA’s comments “immature” and “distorted out of context.”
Munir, speaking to the Pakistani diaspora in Tampa, Florida, reportedly issued a chilling nuclear threat, warning that Pakistan could resort to nuclear weapons if faced with an existential threat in any future conflict with India.
In a firm rebuttal to Munir’s nuclear brinkmanship from US soil, India’s MEA reaffirmed that the country will not succumb to nuclear blackmail and will take all necessary measures to protect its national security.
The MEA’s statement highlighted serious concerns about Pakistan’s nuclear command and control, emphasizing that the military operates "hand-in-glove" with terrorist organizations, raising doubts about the safety and stability of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal.
Responding to the MEA, Pakistan’s Foreign Office condemned the Indian statement as “immature,” accusing it of "distorting facts" and "twisting statements out of context." The FO dismissed India’s claims of "nuclear blackmail" as a "misleading and self-serving construct," insisting that Pakistan remains staunchly opposed to any threat or use of force.
However, the FO also issued a veiled warning, asserting that any violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with an immediate and reciprocal response.
Munir recently concluded his second high-profile trip to the US within two months, during which he held meetings with senior US military and civilian officials and engaged with the Pakistani diaspora, using the platform to advance Pakistan’s aggressive posture.
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