Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir warns of nuclear retaliation, says will take half the world down

Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, has issued a strong nuclear warning to India during his visit to the United States. Speaking at a private dinner in Tampa, Florida, Munir said that if Pakistan faces an “existential threat” from India, it would “take half the world down” with it.

This is the first known instance where a nuclear threat has been made from US soil against another country. The comments were reportedly made at a black-tie dinner hosted by businessman Adnan Asad, Pakistan’s honorary consul in Tampa.

Warning over Indus Waters Treaty and missile threat

Munir also criticised India for suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, saying this decision could put 250 million people at risk of starvation. He warned that if India built a dam on the river, Pakistan would destroy it with “10 missiles.”

“The Indus River is not India’s family property. We have no shortage of missiles, praise be to God,” Munir was quoted as saying. He also made references to the recent four-day conflict with India, including an incident where a tweet containing a verse from the Quran and a photo of industrialist Mukesh Ambani was sent to signal Pakistan’s readiness for retaliation.

Munir said Pakistan’s military strategy would involve starting from India’s eastern regions, where he claimed the country’s most valuable resources are located, and then moving westward.

Using an analogy, he compared India to a “shining Mercedes” and Pakistan to a “dump truck full of gravel.” He said, “If the truck hits the car, who is going to be the loser?”

Closed-door meeting and US engagements

Guests at the Tampa event were not allowed to carry mobile phones or other recording devices, and no official transcript of Munir’s speech was released. The comments were reconstructed based on accounts from several attendees.

While in Tampa, Munir attended the retirement ceremony for outgoing US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Michael E. Kurilla, as well as the change-of-command ceremony for Admiral Brad Cooper.

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This was Munir’s second visit to the US since the conflict with India. In June, he made a rare five-day trip during which he attended a private luncheon with US President Donald Trump. Such meetings are usually reserved for visiting heads of state or government. That meeting ended with Trump announcing closer US-Pakistan cooperation in several areas, including an oil deal.

Munir’s trip also came shortly after a senior US general described Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counterterrorism, praising its role in promoting regional peace and stability during a congressional hearing.