Islamabad: In a historic admission, Pakistan’s Army has for the first time acknowledged its role in the 1999 Kargil War, marking a significant shift in its narrative surrounding the conflict.
During a recent event commemorating Defence Day, General Asim Munir, the Chief of the Pakistani Army, confirmed that Pakistan experienced substantial losses in various conflicts, including the 1965 and 1971 wars, as well as the Kargil conflict.
This acknowledgment is particularly noteworthy as the Pakistani military has previously denied direct involvement in the Kargil War, attributing the conflict to “mujahideen” or “freedom fighters.” General Munir’s statement marks what is seen as the first official admission by a serving Army Chief regarding the military’s direct participation in Kargil.
In his address, General Munir stated, “From 1948 to 1965, 1971, and the Kargil War of 1999, countless soldiers have sacrificed their lives for Pakistan and Islam.”
This revelation contrasts sharply with former Army Chief General Pervez Musharraf’s previous claims that the Kargil War was a successful localized operation. The conflict, which took place between May and July 1999 in the Kargil district of Ladakh (formerly part of Jammu and Kashmir) and along the Line of Control (LoC), saw the Indian Army, supported by the Indian Air Force, pushing Pakistani forces and paramilitary troops from Indian positions. This operation was known as Operation Safed Sagar.
India has consistently characterized Pakistan’s actions in Kargil as a strategic move to bolster its control over Kashmir. Recent disclosures, including documents from casualties and statements from Pakistan’s Prime Minister and Chief of Army Staff, have further corroborated the involvement of Pakistani paramilitary forces, commanded by General Ashraf Rashid.
The official acknowledgment by Pakistan’s military marks a pivotal moment in the historical narrative of the Kargil War.
