Former Pentagon official Michael Rubin strongly condemned recent remarks made by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir, calling them a blatant provocation against India just days before the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on tourists that killed at least 26 civilians.
Munir had referred to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein” during a speech to overseas Pakistanis, reiterating Islamabad’s longstanding position on the region.
Cut ‘Pakistan’s Jugular’
The ex-US official took it further, stating that India must proceed to sever “Pakistan’s jugular,” according to ANI.
Rubin, in comments to ANI, argued that such statements by Munir effectively embolden terrorism and warrant a decisive response from New Delhi.
“Asim Munir’s rhetoric amounted to giving the green light for terror. If Kashmir is their jugular vein, it’s time India cuts it—no ifs or buts,” he stated.
The former US official criticised Pakistan for what he called a pattern of using inflammatory rhetoric to stir unrest and draw international attention.
ISI Accused Of Destabilising Region
He further alleged that Pakistan’s intelligence agency, the ISI, has been the ideological and logistical driver behind destabilising actions in the region.
“Pakistan is playing the West for fools,” Rubin said, asserting that Islamabad has also begun to stir tensions in Bangladesh, opening what he referred to as a “new front” against India.
He maintained that all signs point toward Pakistan’s involvement in the Pahalgam attack, citing geographic and ideological indicators.
Attack Amid JD Vance’s Tour
Rubin also questioned the timing of the assault, which came amid heightened global attention on India due to the visit of US Vice President JD Vance.
According to Rubin, the attack was likely intended to shift international focus and pressure New Delhi.
He urged Washington not to overlook Pakistan’s actions and warned against allowing Islamabad to escape accountability.
Drawing a parallel to global terrorism, Rubin likened the Pahalgam attack to the October 7 Hamas assault on Israel, underscoring what he sees as the grave nature of Pakistan-backed militancy.
In his speech, General Munir declared: “Our stance is absolutely clear. It was our jugular vein, it will be our jugular vein. We will not forget it. We will not leave our Kashmiri brothers in their heroic struggle.”
Sovereignty Over Kashmir
India’s Ministry of External Affairs swiftly rebutted the statement, asserting its sovereignty over Jammu and Kashmir. “How can anything foreign be in a jugular vein? This is a Union Territory of India.
Its only relation to Pakistan is that Pakistan must vacate the territories it has illegally occupied,” said the MEA.
Rubin’s remarks reflect growing frustration among American strategic voices over Pakistan’s posture and its impact on regional peace and stability.
His comments add to calls for a firmer international stance against cross-border terrorism and ideological provocation.
