Lahore: In a recent address, Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir provoked controversy by reiterating the two-nation theory, which holds that Pakistanis and Hindus are fundamentally different. Addressing the Islamabad convention on April 16, 2025, Munir stressed that the glaring cultural, religious, and ideological divide between these communities constituted the core of Pakistan being a nation and separate entity.
Munir, in his speech, called on Pakistanis to preserve and pass on the narrative to future generations about the founding of the country. “Our forefathers realised our faith, traditions, customs, and aspirations were different from Hindus in every manner. This conviction was the basis of the two-nation theory, that we are two nations, not one,” he said. He also pointed out the necessity of keeping this history alive, especially for the youth, so that they could nurture their connection with Pakistan, even if they belong to the third, fourth or fifth generation.
Munir then spoke briefly about the sacrifices of Pakistan’s founders, the way they struggled to create the country. “Our forefathers sacrificed everything for this country, and we know how to defend it,” he asserted, emphasising national pride and resilience.
Apart from discussing the two-nation theory, the army chief also spoke about security challenges, promising to ramp up activity against terror in Balochistan. Calling the region central to Pakistan’s “destiny,” Munir belittled the threat of groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), Balochistan Liberation Front (BLF), and Baloch Republican Army (BRA). “Do our enemies really think that a few terrorists — about 1,500 if we include BLA, BLF and BRA — can decide Pakistan’s fate? “Ten generations of such challenges cannot shake Balochistan or Pakistan,” he said, adding that the armed forces, with the support of the nation, will decisively respond to these threats.
Munir also expressed solidarity with the people of the Palestinian territories facing the brunt of Israel’s military action in Gaza, saying that “The hearts of Pakistanis thump in harmony with the Muslims of Gaza,” as per accounts quoting local media.
The general’s remarks have generated mixed reactions. On platforms such as X, several users rebuked Munir’s comments for propagating divisive rhetoric, which one post said, “Hatred for Hindus still runs in their uniform,” a reference to the two-nation theory’s contentious legacy, especially in the wake of Bangladesh’s independence in 1971. Others saw the speech as a reassertion of Pakistan’s ideological underpinnings, and supporters echoed Munir’s call to instil national pride in coming generations.
The comments come at a time of increased regional tensions and declining domestic challenges, with Munir’s emphasis on the two-nation theory most probably aimed at rousing national unity.
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