Sat May 03 07:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan Army Chief Faces Unprecedented Criticism After Pulwama-like Attack
**ISLAMABAD** – The aftermath of a recent attack in Pulwama, similar to the 2019 incident, has sparked a wave of unprecedented criticism against Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, within the country. This backlash extends beyond typical anti-India sentiment, revealing deep-seated discontent within Pakistan itself.
Prominent religious and political leader Maulana Fazlur Rehman of the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI-F) has openly condemned Munir’s statements on Kashmir and the partition of India and Pakistan, calling them “slave-like thinking” and warning of a potential repeat of the 1971 Bangladesh crisis if military actions in Balochistan continue. This criticism is amplified by other voices, including former Prime Minister Imran Khan and his party, the PTI, who have consistently targeted Munir. A social media campaign, #MunirOut, reflects this widespread dissatisfaction.
The criticism isn’t solely politically driven. Protests in Gilgit-Baltistan and Balochistan against land seizures and alleged human rights abuses by the army highlight growing regional resentment. Accusations of corruption and policy failures further fuel the fire, with some, like former Pakistani army officer Adil Raja, even alleging that the Pulwama-like attack was orchestrated to distract from these issues. Claims of widespread resignations within the army, though denied by the Pakistani military, add to the sense of turmoil.
The situation is further exacerbated by India’s retaliatory actions following the attack, including potential threats to the Indus Waters Treaty and border closures, which have only intensified public anger within Pakistan. The confluence of these factors paints a picture of a deeply divided nation, where the traditionally powerful Pakistani army finds itself facing its most significant internal challenge in recent memory.
First Piper 