Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, declared water a “red line” for the nation and firmly rejected any compromise on Kashmir during his address to university academics at the military’s newly launched Hilal Talks 2025 forum in Rawalpindi.
Speaking at the Army Auditorium before over 1,800 virtual participants, including vice-chancellors, faculty, and students, Munir emphasized that Pakistan would never accept India’s dominance. His remarks came amid heightened tensions following recent military exchanges between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
The army chief’s statement followed India’s unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, a key water-sharing agreement brokered by the World Bank in 1960. Munir asserted that Pakistan would “never compromise” on the water rights of its 240 million citizens.
On Kashmir, he stated, “No deal on Kashmir is possible. We can never forget Kashmir.” He accused India of attempting to suppress the issue for decades but insisted that such efforts would no longer succeed.
Munir also addressed foreign-backed insurgency in Balochistan, calling the militants a “foreign-backed menace” with no ties to local populations. He stressed the need for Pakistan to strengthen its institutions, ensuring they function within constitutional limits free from political or financial interference.
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The Hilal Talks initiative aims to foster dialogue between the military and academia, promoting national unity. Munir urged educators to act as “custodians of Pakistan’s story” and shape future generations, calling teachers the nation’s “greatest asset.”
“You must pass on Pakistan’s story to the next generation,” he said. “It is your responsibility to shape their character.”