Pakistan Army Breaks Silence on Kargil War, Acknowledges Role After 25 Years

For the first time, Pakistan’s Army has publicly acknowledged its involvement in the 1999 Kargil War against India. Speaking at a Defence Day event, Army Chief General Asim Munir paid tribute to Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in various conflicts with India, including Kargil. This marks a significant shift from Pakistan’s long-held official stance, which attributed the conflict to Kashmiri militants and “mujahideen.”

General Munir’s remarks highlighted the bravery of Pakistani soldiers, stating, “Be it 1948, 1965, 1971, or the Kargil war of 1999, thousands of soldiers sacrificed their lives for the country and Islam.” This direct admission contrasts with Pakistan’s previous denials of military involvement.

The Kargil War saw Pakistani forces occupy strategic positions in Kashmir, prompting a strong Indian military response. The conflict ended in a defeat for Pakistan, with U.S. President Bill Clinton pressuring then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to withdraw troops.

India has long maintained that the war was a deliberate act of aggression by Pakistan’s military. Relations between the two nations remain tense, particularly over the disputed Kashmir region.