In an alarming address at a private dinner in Tampa, Florida, Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir explicitly threatened to target India’s economic infrastructure in any future conflicts. According to a TOI report, he singled out Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries Ltd refinery at Jamnagar, Gujarat — the world’s largest single-site refining complex.
This marks the first time such a key economic asset has been named as a potential military target by Pakistan’s top military leadership.
Popularly considered the most powerful man in Pakistan, Munir referenced a social media post combining a Quranic verse and a photo of Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani. The 11th Pak Army Chief declared that he had authorized the message during recent hostilities “to show them what we will do the next time,” TOI reported citing media reports based on accounts from attendees of the closed-door event.
Threats to dams & broader strategic messaging
The speech also included a chilling warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Munir vowed that Pakistan would launch missile strikes on Indian dams if the treaty remains suspended.
Speaking to members of the Pakistani diaspora, he said, “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey [we will destroy it with 10 missiles].”
Read Also | Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade: India slams Asim Munir's threat, calls Pak 'irresponsible' nuke state
This statement was delivered at a black-tie event hosted by Pakistan’s honorary consul in Tampa, with about 120 diaspora members present. Phones and digital devices were banned, and no official transcript was issued, but multiple eyewitnesses have shared details with media outlets.
Munir’s visit to Florida was primarily to attend the retirement ceremony of General Michael Kurilla, outgoing commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), who lauded Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counterterrorism efforts and received Pakistan’s highest civilian honour at the event.
Nationalistic rhetoric & diplomatic posture
Addressing the audience, Munir also exhorted overseas Pakistanis to increase their support for the nation.
Using evocative Hindi film-style language, he remarked, “Kisi ki maa kaali ho sakti hai, aur kisi ki dharti-maa kaali ho sakti hai, par maa maa hoti hai [someone’s mother might be dark-skinned, and the earth of someone’s motherland might be dark, but a mother is a mother].” He also asserted that Pakistan’s foundation on the Kalimah would ensure divine blessings of rich natural resources like rare earth metals and hydrocarbons.
On the diplomatic front, Munir commented on recent strains between India and the US, suggesting Pakistan’s unique ability to “balance rival powers” and take “masterclasses” in diplomacy.
He claimed Pakistan’s success comes from openly appreciating those who do good, citing the nomination of former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize as an example.
This marks the first time such a key economic asset has been named as a potential military target by Pakistan’s top military leadership.
Popularly considered the most powerful man in Pakistan, Munir referenced a social media post combining a Quranic verse and a photo of Reliance chairman Mukesh Ambani. The 11th Pak Army Chief declared that he had authorized the message during recent hostilities “to show them what we will do the next time,” TOI reported citing media reports based on accounts from attendees of the closed-door event.
Threats to dams & broader strategic messaging
The speech also included a chilling warning regarding the Indus Waters Treaty. Munir vowed that Pakistan would launch missile strikes on Indian dams if the treaty remains suspended.
Speaking to members of the Pakistani diaspora, he said, “We will wait for India to build a dam, and when it does so, phir 10 missile sey faarigh kar dengey [we will destroy it with 10 missiles].”
Read Also | Nuclear sabre-rattling is Pakistan's stock-in-trade: India slams Asim Munir's threat, calls Pak 'irresponsible' nuke state
This statement was delivered at a black-tie event hosted by Pakistan’s honorary consul in Tampa, with about 120 diaspora members present. Phones and digital devices were banned, and no official transcript was issued, but multiple eyewitnesses have shared details with media outlets.
Munir’s visit to Florida was primarily to attend the retirement ceremony of General Michael Kurilla, outgoing commander of the US Central Command (CENTCOM), who lauded Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counterterrorism efforts and received Pakistan’s highest civilian honour at the event.
Nationalistic rhetoric & diplomatic posture
Addressing the audience, Munir also exhorted overseas Pakistanis to increase their support for the nation.
Using evocative Hindi film-style language, he remarked, “Kisi ki maa kaali ho sakti hai, aur kisi ki dharti-maa kaali ho sakti hai, par maa maa hoti hai [someone’s mother might be dark-skinned, and the earth of someone’s motherland might be dark, but a mother is a mother].” He also asserted that Pakistan’s foundation on the Kalimah would ensure divine blessings of rich natural resources like rare earth metals and hydrocarbons.
On the diplomatic front, Munir commented on recent strains between India and the US, suggesting Pakistan’s unique ability to “balance rival powers” and take “masterclasses” in diplomacy.
He claimed Pakistan’s success comes from openly appreciating those who do good, citing the nomination of former US President Donald Trump for the Nobel Prize as an example.
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