Pakistan military chief acknowledges role in Kargil intrusion for first time

ISLAMABAD: In a historic admission, General Asim Munir, Pakistan's military chief, publicly acknowledged the country's involvement in the 1999 Kargil intrusion during a Defense Day event on Friday. This marks a significant departure from Pakistan's previous denials of direct involvement in the conflict.

Munir honoured the sacrifices of thousands of Pakistani soldiers who lost their lives in various wars, including the 1948, 1965, and 1971 conflicts, as well as the 1999 Kargil War. This admission comes after years of Pakistan attributing the intrusion to 'Kashmiri freedom fighters'.

While some retired Pakistani military officials had previously hinted at the country's involvement, this is the first time a serving military official has publicly acknowledged Pakistan's role in the Kargil intrusion.

This development is seen as a significant shift in Pakistan's stance on the conflict and may have implications for regional relations and historical accounts of the event.