Pak Army Chief Calls 2025 India Conflict a ‘Battle Between Two Ideologies’

Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, on Sunday described last year’s military confrontation with India as a “battle between two ideologies” , as Pakistan marked the first anniversary of the conflict with ceremonies, military tributes and renewed warnings against future escalation.

Addressing a special event at the General Headquarters in Rawalpindi to commemorate ‘Marka-e-Haq’ , the title Pakistan uses for the four-day conflict with India in May 2025, Munir claimed Pakistan had achieved a “remarkable success” and said any future aggression against the country would invite “far-reaching and painful consequences.”

The conflict erupted after the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir in which 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. India responded by launching Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting nine terror facilities in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India said the strikes eliminated at least 100 terrorists linked to cross-border militancy.

The confrontation quickly escalated into missile, drone and artillery exchanges between the two nuclear-armed neighbours before military operations ended on May 10 following hotline talks between senior army officials. Pakistan has maintained that the ceasefire was facilitated through the US, while India insists the understanding was reached directly between the two militaries.

Munir claimed Pakistan struck 26 targets during the conflict, though no evidence was provided. He also highlighted Pakistan’s push towards “multi-domain warfare” , citing investments in Hangor-class submarines, rocket systems and advanced fighter aircraft. Senior military leaders, including the chiefs of the navy and air force, attended the anniversary ceremony and paid tribute to soldiers killed in the conflict.

India has reiterated that its actions were directed against cross-border terrorism and reaffirmed its commitment to national security and counterterror efforts.