New Delhi: Pakistan’s Army has, for the first time, openly admitted its role in the 1999 Kargil War against India. During an event marking Defence Day, Army Chief General Asim Munir paid tribute to Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in various conflicts with India, including the Kargil War. This marks a departure from the longstanding practice of avoiding any official mention of the conflict for more than 20 years.
“The Pakistani community is a community of brave individuals who understand the value of freedom and the sacrifices it demands,” Munir said. He added, “Whether it was in 1948, 1965, 1971 or the 1999 Kargil War, thousands of soldiers laid down their lives for the country and for Islam.”
Pakistan changes stance
The statement represents a shift from Pakistan’s long-held official stance, which had framed the Kargil conflict as primarily involving Kashmiri militants and so-called “mujahideen.” General Munir’s comments directly acknowledged the loss of Pakistani soldiers in the Kargil conflict, where Pakistani forces took control of key positions in Kashmir, which prompted a strong military response from India. The operation ended in a significant setback for Pakistan, as then-US president Bill Clinton pressured Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to withdraw the troops from the Kargil region.
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Strained India-Pakistan ties
India has consistently maintained that the conflict was a deliberate act of aggression by the Pakistani military. Evidence of the Pakistani army’s involvement, disguised under the cover of terrorists, was revealed through intercepted communications between General Musharraf, who was in Beijing at the time and his Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Mohammed Aziz, on May 26 and 29. Relations between Pakistan and India continue to be tense, with ongoing issues such as the territorial dispute over Kashmir and frequent clashes along the Line of Control (LoC).
