A major news update comes from Pakistan, where its Army Chief General Asim Munir appears increasingly fearful of losing control over Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). In his recent speeches, Munir sounded more like a religious preacher, invoking faith and the Two-Nation Theory rather than military strength. His reliance on religious rhetoric is seen as a sign of Pakistan’s weakening position — economically strained, militarily weakened, and losing grip in restive areas like Balochistan and PoK. The growing unrest in PoK, where locals are waving Indian flags and demanding development like in Jammu & Kashmir post Article 370 abrogation, has unnerved Pakistan. Munir’s fear is that if India pushes forward, Pakistan may not be able to retain PoK. Indian leaders, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, have made it clear that PoK is India’s “crown jewel” and any talks with Pakistan will only be about reclaiming it — intensifying Pakistan’s anxiety.
