“Don’t Just Strike, Occupy”: Owaisi Slams Pakistan Army After Pahalgam Terror Attack, Targets General Asim Munir

KKN Gurugram Desk | In the wake of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of several innocent civilians, including Hindu pilgrims, political temperatures are soaring across India. The brutal nature of the assault — where militants allegedly segregated victims based on religion before shooting them — has reignited longstanding tensions between India and Pakistan.

Hyderabad MP and AIMIM (All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen) chief Asaduddin Owaisi has emerged as one of the most vocal critics of Pakistan in this episode, especially targeting Pakistan’s military leadership, including Army Chief General Asim Munir.

 Owaisi’s Sharp Rebuke: “Don’t Just Enter, Occupy Pakistan”

Speaking at a press conference in Hyderabad following the attack, Asaduddin Owaisi minced no words. He said:

“This time, don’t just go in and strike… go in and stay. Occupy. Let them feel the cost of sheltering terrorists.”

This aggressive tone is uncharacteristic for Owaisi, often seen as a critical voice of both Indian and Pakistani establishments. His remarks reflect a growing frustration among Indian leaders across the political spectrum regarding Pakistan’s continued use of proxy terror groups to destabilize Jammu and Kashmir.

Owaisi, typically known for his sharp criticism of BJP and domestic policy, took a hardline nationalist position:

“Pakistan’s military, under General Asim Munir, is not just complicit — they are enablers of terrorism. Their hands are soaked in the blood of innocent pilgrims.”

Pahalgam Terror Attack: What Happened?

On April 22, 2025, gunmen opened fire on a convoy of pilgrims returning from the Pahalgam cave shrine. Initial reports suggest that:

• Victims were targeted based on religious identity.

• The attackers were foreign-trained militants, suspected to be backed by Pakistan-based terror outfits.

• 26 people were killed, and over 40 were injured.

• The assault was carried out near an Army transit point, raising questions about infiltration and intelligence gaps.

Indian security forces have since launched Operation Silent Resolve to neutralize sleeper cells and trace cross-border links. Preliminary investigations point to Jaish-e-Mohammed operatives active in the South Kashmir belt.

Owaisi’s Message to the Indian Government

Owaisi called on the Indian defense establishment to respond with strategic force and clarity. Unlike previous air or surgical strikes, he urged a long-term military posture inside Pakistani territory — a position that marks a dramatic escalation from the usual retaliatory doctrine.

He also pushed for:

• A comprehensive review of India-Pakistan diplomatic ties.

• International advocacy to isolate Pakistan on global platforms.

• Empowering local intelligence networks to detect early warning signals.

 Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir: The Focus of Indian Fury

General Asim Munir, who took over as Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff in late 2022, has positioned himself as a hardliner on India and Kashmir. Under his leadership, Pakistan has:

• Reinforced military deployments along the Line of Control (LoC).

• Supported aggressive propaganda through ISI-backed media.

• Allegedly increased covert support to terror operatives via Hizbul Mujahideen and Jaish factions.

Owaisi blamed Munir’s leadership for reviving the “old ISI playbook” of proxy war and warned that continued attacks would invite “an unprecedented response” from India.

 Cross-Party Condemnation of Pakistan’s Role

While Owaisi’s remarks were the most aggressive, leaders from across the political aisle condemned the Pahalgam massacre.

Statements from Political Leaders:

• Home Minister Rajnath Singh: “We will avenge every drop of blood spilled.”

• Congress MP Shashi Tharoor: “Pakistan must be held accountable at the United Nations.”

• J&K Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha: “Security will be heightened, and no one involved will be spared.”

Even opposition parties — often critical of the government’s security policies — stood united in seeking justice.

 International Reactions: Calls for Restraint Amid Rising Tensions

The international community responded swiftly, albeit cautiously:

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged both India and Pakistan to avoid escalation and cooperate on counter-terror investigations.

• The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) condemned the attack but stopped short of naming Pakistan.

• France, Germany, and the UK expressed solidarity with India but also encouraged “strategic patience.”

India, meanwhile, has called for UN sanctions on the perpetrators and is reportedly considering reviewing its participation in SAARC.

 Will India Cross the Line Again? Strategic Analysts Weigh In

Following the 2016 Uri attack, India launched surgical strikes on terror camps. After the Pulwama attack in 2019, the Balakot airstrikes were carried out. Now, pressure is mounting for another major military action.

What Experts Are Saying:

• Major General (Retd.) GD Bakshi: “Owaisi’s stance reflects what even our armed forces are thinking.”

• Lt. Gen Syed Ata Hasnain: “Precision strikes may not be enough anymore. Strategic depth is required.”

• Nitin Gokhale (Defense Analyst): “India needs global diplomatic backing before engaging in protracted response.”

Historical Context: Terror and Retaliation Timeline

Owaisi’s suggestion of “enter and stay” echoes sentiments last heard during Operation Meghdoot (1984) and Kargil War (1999), where Indian troops held ground under hostile conditions.

Asaduddin Owaisi’s bold statement marks a rare moment of national consensus in India’s political landscape, where ideological opponents converge on a common enemy — cross-border terrorism.

The pressure is now on the Indian government and military to deliver a firm yet calibrated response. Whether that response is diplomatic, economic, or military — or a blend of all — will be closely watched not just in New Delhi and Islamabad, but across the world.