Pakistan Army Officially Admits Its Involvement In Kargil War For The First Time
Mumbai: In a landmark moment, Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir appeared to acknowledge the military’s direct involvement in the 1999 Kargil War, 25 years after the deadly conflict with India. During his Defence Day speech on Friday, held at the Pakistan Army’s headquarters in Rawalpindi, General Munir referenced the Kargil conflict alongside the three other wars fought between India and Pakistan—in 1948, 1965, and 1971—as well as the ongoing tensions over the Siachen Glacier.
“In 1948, 1965, 1971, and Kargil wars between India and Pakistan, as well as in Siachen, thousands have sacrificed themselves in these conflicts,” Munir stated, paying homage to the “sacrifices of martyrs” in the Pakistan armed forces.
The Kargil War, which occurred between May and July 1999, saw Pakistani troops infiltrate Indian positions in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kargil district. The conflict ended with India launching Operation Vijay, reclaiming strategic posts and forcing the intruders to retreat.
Historically, Pakistan has denied direct military involvement in the Kargil War, labeling the infiltrators as “Kashmiri freedom fighters” or “mujahideens.” Islamabad has maintained that Pakistan’s forces were only “patrolling” the area while “tribal leaders” occupied the heights. However, General Munir’s recent statement marks a significant shift, being the first high-profile acknowledgment of Pakistan’s involvement from an incumbent army chief.
The Pakistan Army’s involvement in Kargil has long been an open secret, but official acknowledgment was absent. General Munir’s statement has triggered widespread debate on social media, with many recalling past instances of Pakistan’s military denial, including its refusal to accept the bodies of fallen soldiers—who were later buried by Indian forces.
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, who was in office during the war, has previously condemned the Kargil operation as a “strategic blunder” and a “political disaster.”
According to some reports, the planning of the operation was limited to a select few, including General Pervez Musharraf and top military commanders, while civilian leadership and even Pakistan’s Air Force and Navy chiefs were kept out of the loop.
The objective of the Kargil operation, according to analysts, was to sever the connection between Kashmir and Ladakh, block National Highway-1, and force India into a compromise on Siachen. However, Indian forces successfully countered the attack, reclaiming key positions in what became a decisive victory for India.
General Munir’s apparent admission underscores the complex legacy of the Kargil conflict within Pakistan. The war is widely regarded as a failure, with Pakistan’s military not only denying its role but also facing public embarrassment for its refusal to honor its fallen soldiers.
Follow us on Twitter, Google News, and Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and exciting stories.
