Pakistan Army Chief Acknowledges Role in Kargil War

In a rare public statement, Pakistan's Army Chief General Asim Munir acknowledged the army's involvement in the 1999 Kargil War with India. His remarks came during a Defence Day address, emphasizing sacrifices by soldiers and the enduring strength of national solidarity despite political differences.

In a groundbreaking public admission, Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir acknowledged the Pakistan Army's involvement in the 1999 Kargil War with India. This significant statement was made during his Defence Day address on September 6 in Rawalpindi.

“Pakistan is a bold and courageous nation and knows the importance of freedom and the price to pay for it. Be it 1948, 1965, 1971 wars, the Kargil War, or the Siachen conflict, thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country,” General Munir stated, according to a video of his address posted by Geo News. The Kargil war, a 60-day conflict that culminated on July 26, 1999, saw the Indian armed forces reclaim high outposts treacherously occupied by Pakistani soldiers.

Brave soldiers of the Indian Army overcame seemingly insurmountable odds and hostile terrain with the support of the Indian Air Force, securing victory. Kargil Vijay Diwas, commemorating the success of Operation Vijay, is marked every year on July 26 with tributes to the fallen heroes. General Munir also mentioned that soldiers from Pakistan's Northern Light Infantry fought in civilian clothing and urged for political differences not to turn into hatred. He emphasized that the Pakistan Army and its people share a “heartfelt relationship” that would continue to fortify national solidarity.