US Congressman Ro Khanna has characterized Pakistan’s Army Chief Asim Munir as a dictator, urging Islamabad to refrain from escalating tensions over two disputed territories known for nuclear armament. His comments came on May 7th, following India’s “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted and dismantled nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK). This operation followed a terrorist attack in Pahargam on April 22nd that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
“Both nations possess nuclear weapons. The immediate concern is de-escalation,” Khanna remarked. He noted the implications of the Pahargam attack that took innocent lives, adding that India’s response aimed to disrupt terrorist networks.
Democrats have expressed hope that US President Donald Trump has advisors who grasp the nuances of the region and can facilitate dialogue between India and Pakistan.
“I discussed the ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan and the potential pathways forward,” Khanna shared recently.
He reiterated that the historical conflicts between India and Pakistan stemmed from British colonialism, which exacerbated divisions between Hindus and Muslims. “Understanding the region is vital, and we must act as honest brokers to prevent escalation,” he stated.
Referring to Munir as a dictator, he highlighted the absence of a genuine democratic voice in Pakistan and called for the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan while urging against retaliatory measures following India’s military action.
“Asim Munir is a dictator due to the lack of legitimate elections that have led to Khan’s imprisonment. We need to push for fair elections,” he asserted.
Khanna pointed out the leverage the US has regarding Pakistan, including the provision of an IMF loan vital for the country, and suggested that Munir must release Khan and cease retaliation to ensure a fair electoral process.
Recently, at least 12 individuals, including four children, lost their lives, while 57 others were injured due to heavy artillery fire from Pakistani forces along the control line in Jammu and Kashmir. This escalation followed India’s missile strikes on nine terrorist sites in Pakistan and POK, primarily affecting the Poonch district, where civilian casualties were reported.
