A recent speech by Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, has reignited concerns over the strategic use of religious and ideological narratives to deflect from growing internal crises. Delivered at the Overseas Pakistanis Convention in Islamabad, Munir’s address heavily invoked the Two-Nation Theory and the Kashmir issue as Pakistan’s jugular vein – raising historical echoes of 1971, when similar rhetoric failed to prevent national disintegration and led to the secession of East Pakistan.
Ideology as Deflection
General Munir’s remarks emphasized the ideological distinctiveness between India and Pakistan, citing religious and cultural differences as the foundation of Pakistan’s identity. “Our religion, our customs, our ambitions—they are different,” he declared, calling on overseas Pakistanis to inculcate this narrative in future generations.
This invocation of the Two-Nation Theory comes at a time when Pakistan is grappling with deepening economic despair, political disillusionment, and increasing unrest in regions like Balochistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Analysts have drawn parallels between Munir’s messaging and the speeches of General Yahya Khan in 1971, when ideological appeals were used to cover up internal fractures that eventually led to the creation of Bangladesh.
By stressing religious identity and Pakistan’s “otherness” from India, the military establishment appears to be rallying nationalistic sentiment to distract from internal turmoil. It is a tried-and-tested method of deflection, but one that failed spectacularly in the past.
Kashmir and PoK: A Timely Distraction
Munir’s speech also focused on Kashmir, asserting unity among Muslims over the issue. This rhetoric, however, is emerging just as protests and unrest in PoK are gaining momentum. Public dissatisfaction in the region—fuelled by poor governance and lack of development—is becoming increasingly difficult to suppress. Rather than addressing these local grievances through reform or dialogue, the leadership is once again attempting to redirect attention outward.
Crown Jewel of India
India’s response was swift. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal dismissed Munir’s remarks, asserting that “the only relationship Pakistan has with Kashmir is to vacate the illegally occupied territories.” Indian officials, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, have gone further, calling PoK the “crown jewel of India” and criticizing Pakistan’s treatment of its citizens in the region.
Balochistan: Ignoring the Root Causes
Alongside Kashmir, Munir mentioned the insurgency in Balochistan—home to rich natural resources but long plagued by marginalization and military suppression. Groups like the Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA), which recently claimed a deadly train hijacking, are symptomatic of a deeper political and socio-economic alienation. Instead of introspection or political outreach, Pakistan’s leadership continues to treat the region as a security problem, further alienating its people.
This security-first approach mirrors Pakistan’s handling of East Pakistan in the run-up to 1971 when calls for autonomy were met with military crackdowns. The outcome then was catastrophic. The question today is whether lessons have truly been learned—or simply buried under ideological posturing.
Dhaka Demands $4.52 billion Dues for Closure of 1971
Adding to Pakistan’s discomfort, Bangladesh has reopened a long-dormant diplomatic wound. During Foreign Secretary-level talks on April 17—the first in 15 years—Dhaka demanded $4.52 billion in dues, including Pakistan’s share of pre-1971 assets and obligations.
The talks, led by Foreign Secretary Mohammad Jasim Uddin for Bangladesh and Amna Baloch for Pakistan, revisited the financial and diplomatic responsibilities Pakistan had agreed to in the aftermath of the war but has yet to fulfil.
Analysts say the demand signals Bangladesh’s intent to hold Pakistan accountable for its past. This demand for accountability comes amid reports of Pakistan’s continued political interference in Bangladesh, particularly through support to Islamist elements. It signals Dhaka’s growing impatience with Islamabad’s refusal to reconcile with its role in the events of 1971, both financially and morally.
A Nation Cornered
For many observers, Munir’s speech is not merely a reflection of ideology but a sign of desperation. With Pakistan’s economy teetering on the brink of collapse, IMF bailouts barely keeping the system afloat, and public trust in institutions eroding, the military’s recourse to religious and nationalist narratives may serve short-term cohesion but offers no long-term solutions.
Former Indian Army officer Major General Sanjay Meston summed up this view in a recent conversation with BharatShakti: “Pakistan is the epicentre of global terrorism… They are now relying on the British policy of divide and rule based on communal lines.” He also noted that even the Army appears fatigued by the repeated cycle of denial, diversion, and suppression.
“It is about to collapse as its economy too is in shambles and it is a failed and lost state. The people of Pakistan are tired now and they want to live in peace, even the Army is getting tired of these attempts to wipe out the real history of Pakistan,” Maj Gen Meston noted.
History, Repeating Itself?
Pakistan stands today at a familiar crossroads. The warning signs—rising regional unrest, ideological rhetoric, and international isolation—mirror the lead-up to 1971. By reviving the Two-Nation Theory and stoking the Kashmir issue amid domestic collapse, the country risks reliving a history it has never fully confronted.
If the past is any guide, Pakistan’s leadership must realize that suppressing dissent and externalizing blame cannot substitute for inclusive governance and institutional reform. Without this reckoning, the echoes of 1971 may grow louder—and more consequential.
Huma Siddiqui
