Kashmir dispute must be settled for lasting regional stability: CJCSC
General Sahir Shamshad Mirza, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) has called for the urgent resolution of the Kashmir dispute, warning that continued tensions with India threaten regional peace and security.
General Mirza, made the remarks while representing Pakistan at the 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 in Singapore, a key Asian security summit.
“The resolution of the Kashmir dispute in line with UN Security Council resolutions is essential for lasting peace in South Asia,” Gen. Mirza said, describing the conflict as the “root cause” of enduring hostility between Islamabad and New Delhi.
He stressed the need for active and effective dialogue frameworks—bilateral, regional, and global—to prevent conflicts rather than respond to them after escalation.
Mirza also criticised India’s recent actions regarding water flow management, accusing New Delhi of attempting to weaponise shared water resources.
“India’s use of water as a weapon of war is a clear violation of international law,” he said. “Any attempt to block or divert Pakistan’s waters will be considered an act of war, in accordance with the Pakistan National Security Committee’s policy.”
General Mirza reaffirmed that Pakistan is open to durable peace with India, but such a peace must be based on dignity, equality, and mutual respect.
He also expressed concern over the absence of reliable crisis management structures, noting that the failure to act early often prevents the international community from intervening before tensions spiral. “The situation since the Pahalgam incident is endangering regional development. We need mutual restraint, recognition of red lines, and equilibrium to ensure durable peace,” he said.
